The Real Marigold Hotel Returns!
The Real Marigold Hotel is back tonight on BBC One with eight more celebrities experiencing the incredible sights and sounds of India…
This year’s all-star cast includes Bond girl Britt Ekland, former Coronation Street star Susie Blake, fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, and retired cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.
Here, some of the celebrities give us a sneak peek into some of the highs – and lows – of their unforgettable experience.
Britt Ekland
Britt Ekland (C) BBC Pictures
Swedish actress and singer Britt Ekland (77) became a household name in the 1970s when she played sizzling Bond girl Mary Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun, alongside Roger Moore.
What was the most memorable part of the experience? Without doubt, the camaraderie. I felt we were a great mixture and team of people, and I’ve made several new friends. In particular though, reuniting with Zandra Rhodes who I’ve known since the late 1960s was very special.
What surprised you the most? The strength of the Indian women. Resplendent in their beautiful saris, they truly were the backbone of the part of India I saw – they worked so hard and were always so dignified, whatever their task or job was. They were very inspiring.
Tell us about one of your adventures… Travelling from Madurai back to Puducherry, which is over 200 miles, we were promised a sleeper coach with all the facilities… what turned up was in fact an old, gaily painted hippy bus with no shock absorbers, never mind any facilities. My bed turned out to be over where the shocks should have been. My back was not happy, but you have to laugh at what we think is luxury (leather seats, air conditioning, toilet, blinds etc), and the reality in India. Though admittedly it did get us home and we’re still talking about it!
Susie Blake
Susie Blake (C) BBC Pictures
Susie’s career has included appearances in everything from the Darling Buds of May and One Foot in the Grave, to the four-years she spent on the cobbles of Coronation Street as Bev Unwin.
What was the most memorable part of the experience? Our lodgings and host in Puducherry; from the rooms, shower in cold water that was never cold, to the food I was dreading which I absolutely loved to the beautiful staff and divine host. The views down onto the Ganga I will never forget!
Did you learn anything about yourself? Surprised how tongue tied I was! Too in awe to start in-depth conversations. I like the heat! I love Indian food!
What surprised you the most? The flowers everywhere, and especially in the market. The variety of animals running wild!
John Altman
Clockwise from front left: Duncan Bannatyne, John Altman, Paul Harman Elliott and Henry Blofeld (C) BBC Pictures
John (68) is probably best known to many people as his on-screen alter ego Nasty Nick Cotton from EastEnders!
What was the most memorable part of the experience? The Great Festival was a great, extraordinary festival in Madurai, where we stayed up all night. There was a full moon in the sky with a ring around it. There were many, many high points, but I had to pick that one because it was the most spectacular.
What surprised you the most? Down on street level, things haven’t changed that much. Ladies riding motorbikes since I went there in 1969, and people have mobile phones, so there was tech around, but street life was pretty much the same – with Tuk Tuks and it being busy and noisy. The heart of India is the real India. The festivals are still going as they were in 1969.
What was your role within the group? We were all very different. A real eclectic mix. I was Britt’s personal photographer. She liked the photos that I took. They say Pisces understand all the other signs of the zodiac and I got close to everyone. I went to watch the sunrise with Zandra. It didn’t come up but that didn’t matter! Duncan and I got into Yoga. I had a lot of laughs with Paul Chuckle. I had special moments with everyone.
Duncan Bannatyne
Businessman and Dragon’s Den star Duncan (71) says the once-in-a-lifetime experience in India made him realise just how lucky he is.
What was the most memorable part of the experience? The most memorable was the overnight festival. Being amongst the huge crowds of people early in the morning. Watching the old, the young and the poor enjoying themselves and being soaked from the water throwing, in what was the middle of the night.
What surprised you the most? I was most surprised by the energy of the people, the kindness of the people. And the feeling of being very safe amongst them.
What was your role within the group? Within the group I bonded mostly with Paul, John and Britt and I have an everlasting bond with all three of them. But all of the cast were great people.
Did the experience allow you time to reflect? There was plenty time to reflect and the more I reflected the more I realised what a truly wonderful and blessed life I have had and continue to have.
Tell us about one of your adventures… Coming down a mountain that had been blocked by falling rocks was a good adventure. I get a perverse excitement from being in any level of danger. Although it was not really dangerous.
