ITV Shelves The Fortune Hotel: No Third Series Planned After Cost Concerns
ITV has officially shelved The Fortune Hotel, with no current plans for a third series, following a series of challenges including high production costs and viewer disinterest. The decision marks a significant blow to host Stephen Mangan, 57, who fronted the show.
Costly Production and Viewer Backlash
Insiders revealed that ITV struggled to justify the expense of producing another series, with the £250,000 jackpot alone described as "eye-watering." The second series aired in August 2025, and at the time, network executives were hesitant about "shelling out" further funds. Additionally, fans failed to embrace the series, with many viewers switching off and branding it "boring" or a "carbon copy" of the BBC's hit show The Traitors.
Show Format and Past Success
The Fortune Hotel, which premiered in 2024, whisks ten couples to a luxury hotel in Grenada, Caribbean, where they swap briefcases in hopes of winning £250,000. Eight briefcases are empty, one contains an early check-out card that eliminates the holders, and the other holds the jackpot. Contestants compete in tasks to guess the prize's location by switching cases.
Despite its cancellation, the show performed well on ITVX, regularly ranking among the top ten shows. The second series received 4.4 million streams in August, contributing to ITV's biggest August ever. The first series was won by Jo-Anne and Will, while Neil and Tope claimed victory in the second series.
Future Uncertain Amid Talks
Talks are underway regarding the show's future, but it remains "highly unlikely" to return. In July, Stephen Mangan hinted that a potential third series would have been filmed in a new country, moving beyond Grenada where the first two series were shot. He mentioned this on the Table Manners podcast, hosted by Lennie Ware and Jessie Ware.
Contestant Reactions and Gameplay
News of the shelving follows insights from Mike, 33, and Jake, 29, the first duo to secretly receive the £250,000 in the last series. They gave away the fortune case due to cold feet, suspecting others might discover they had it, and were later eliminated with an early check-out card. Despite losing the money, they expressed no regrets, enjoying four days at an all-inclusive Caribbean resort. Mike admitted, "We don't regret it... in hindsight, we'd have probably played it a little different," while Jake noted their fairness led to their downfall.
Show Details and Legacy
The Fortune Hotel's synopsis teased a game of "glamour and deception" at a luxury resort, with Stephen Mangan guiding contestants. The programme's podcast, Late Check Out, was hosted by comedian Ellie Taylor. Both previous series are available on ITVX, where the show continues to attract viewers, but its high costs and mixed reception have ultimately led to its shelving.
