ITV bosses ‘forced to step in’ during filming of new game show The Fortune Hotel over fears contestants could blow the budget

ITV bosses spent quite a fortune filming upcoming game show The Fortune Hotel, to the point of having to ‘limit’ the contestants’ budgets.

Dubbed a glamor version of The Traitors, the show will see the contestants have to lie to each other, take part in challenges and find out who the traitors are.

Ten couples will enjoy a chic stay at the luxurious Silversands resort in the Caribbean, with the chance to win £250,000.

The couples will each be given a briefcase – only one of which will keep the money inside – and each day the contestants will compete in challenges to try and figure out who has the all-important case.

According to The sunthe shoot for the psychological series – which is presented by Stephen Mangan – was so expensive that bosses had to empty contestants’ minibars for fear they would go over budget.

A source told the publication that The Fortune Hotel was specifically meant to look “luxurious” and that each room’s mini-fridge was stocked with a fancy Whispering Angel drink.

‘It meant that the crew had to confiscate the minibars and leave the participants dry, because the budget would not go specifically to the Whispering Angel.

‘For starters, the cast was thrilled with a five-star holiday in the Caribbean, but actually, even good food can get a bit tiring after three weeks.’

The television source added that at one point some participants “begged for a normal burger and pizza.”

The eight-episode series features commercial director Claire, 43, and lawyer Daniel, 43, both from Gloucestershire.

Claire said they took the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone.

Filming for the psychological series – which is presented by Stephen Mangan (pictured) – was so expensive that bosses reportedly had to empty contestants’ minibars for fear they would go over budget.

Ten couples will enjoy a chic stay at the luxurious Silversands resort in the Caribbean and could win £250,000

“We always embrace adventure and wanted to do something together,” she said.

‘The opportunity to do something outside your comfort zone is always good.’

Her husband Daniel said participating in the show also tested their relationship at times.

“I would say it was all challenges, it was a real bonding experience for everyone, the sun was shining, we were all excited and it gave us a chance to really get to know each other,” he said.

‘There was also a funny moment when Claire and I got into a fight with each other because she wasn’t happy with how competitive I was being, even though I reminded her that the whole point of the show is to compete.

Host Stephen Mangan, an actor and comedian, said it was a no-brainer for him to take on the new gig.

“The possibility of going to the Caribbean sounded very interesting in itself, not to mention what else is involved,” he said.

‘That was the first thing that caught my attention, but when the game itself was explained to me and I played it, it was just brilliant.

‘The game is quite simple but endlessly fascinating, so combining this with the backdrop it was set in was just quite irresistible.

‘People are endlessly fascinating to me as an actor and the reason you become an actor is because people and how they interact with each other, especially in moments of high stress, is extremely fascinating.

‘People are complex and interesting, so The Fortune Hotel felt like the perfect mix of entertainment and drama. It is a way to bring people together under pressure in a beautiful location.

“The whole package was incredibly intriguing to me, so I had to be part of it.”

The Fortune Hotel will air every Monday to Thursday at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player from May 13.

The couples will each be given a briefcase – only one of which will keep the money inside – and each day the contestants will compete in challenges to try and figure out who has the all-important case.