Alan Carr's Castle Dream: A Fresh Start After Personal Turmoil
Comedian and television presenter Alan Carr has exclusively disclosed his heartfelt motivation for pursuing a permanent move to a castle, following his triumphant win on Celebrity Traitors and the dissolution of his marriage. The 49-year-old star, who emerged victorious in the celebrity edition of the hit BBC show, is now determined to relocate from his current home in West Sussex to a historic Scottish property, marking a significant new chapter in his life.
Escaping the Past: A Home Filled with Memories
In a candid revelation, Carr explained that his desire to acquire a castle stems from a need to escape the residence he once shared with his ex-husband, Paul Drayton. The couple, who married in 2018 after a decade-long relationship, divorced in 2022, and Carr has remained in their former home near Horsham for the past four years. "I'm still in the house where my ex was - we're divorced now and it's been four years. I'm single now, ready to mingle. I just need to move," he confessed, highlighting the emotional weight of his surroundings.
His search for the perfect castle, complete with iconic turrets, will be documented in a forthcoming Disney+ series, tentatively titled Castle Man. Carr expressed his excitement about the venture, noting, "I'm getting myself a castle. I fancied a change - I'm selling up and going up there. For real. My money, my decision." He is scheduled to view several properties in Scotland, aiming to find a grand, historic home that aligns with his long-held dreams.
Midlife Aspirations: From Northampton to Nobility
Reflecting on his childhood in Northampton, Carr shared that he has always been captivated by the romance and history of stately homes. As he approaches his 50th birthday, he sees this as the opportune moment to fulfil that fantasy. "Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me - I want my very own castle," he quipped. "Since I was a boy in Northampton, I've always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home and as I turn fifty, I feel it's my time. All I want is a turret to call my own - get me over that drawbridge!"
The inspiration for this dramatic lifestyle change was partly ignited by his experience filming Celebrity Traitors at Ardross Castle near Inverness. Carr described the show, which featured celebrities like Stephen Fry and Charlotte Church, as "the best thing I've ever done," and the majestic setting left him yearning to reside in a similar environment.
Career Moves and Friendship Bonds
Amidst his personal transitions, Carr also addressed swirling rumours about his professional future. He firmly dismissed speculation that he and close friend Amanda Holden are in contention to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing. "Me and Amanda doing Strictly? That's not a thing," he stated, explaining that while he enjoys the show, he lacks the passionate enthusiasm required for such a role. "I like it, but I don't love it. And that show should be someone who is going, 'I'm seeing a paso doble - gasp'. I'm like, 'I don't give a sh*t!'"
He emphasised his strong bond with Holden, with whom he has collaborated on BBC projects for four years, and laughed off the notion of needing a "chemistry test" for their partnership. Carr is currently preparing to host the new Channel 4 series Secret Genius alongside Susie Dent, maintaining a busy television schedule that he feels is sufficient without adding Strictly to the mix.
Public Recognition and Personal Growth
The success of Celebrity Traitors has significantly boosted Carr's public profile, leading to increased recognition on the streets. He humorously noted, "I felt like Kim Kardashian. I went to America and a woman shouted at me from a balcony 'I see you Traitor!' Normally I go that way and no one knows who I am." This newfound fame has been a welcome change, though he jokingly remarked on his decades-long career, "Everyone was suddenly going, 'Oh, Alan's so funny'. I'm like, 'Well, I've been around for 25 years. I must have been really rubbish.'"
Executive producer Ben Wicks expressed enthusiasm for the Disney+ project, describing it as "an incredible project: Alan Carr looking to buy a castle befitting his status as comedy royalty and a national treasure, and soon finding himself responsible for the very real, right royal pain of making it all work." The series promises to blend humour with the practical challenges of castle ownership, offering viewers an intimate look at Carr's quest for a fresh start.
As Alan Carr embarks on this transformative journey, his story resonates as a tale of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of long-held dreams amidst personal change.
