The second series of The Fortune Hotel kicked off with a dramatic twist that left viewers astonished, as one pair of contestants was eliminated before even setting foot inside the hotel. Hosted by Stephen Mangan, the ITV show returned on Wednesday evening (6 August) with 22 new contestants arriving at a luxury resort in Grenada.
Each duo received a mystery briefcase, with most containing nothing, one holding a £250,000 jackpot, and another harbouring an early departure card. Upon arrival at Grenada airport, Stephen Mangan informed the contestants that only ten rooms were available for the eleven pairs, meaning one couple would be sent home immediately.
The pairs were taken to the harbour, where they had to solve a crossword puzzle to unlock their room key. The first five couples to reach the hotel secured their rooms, with Jake and Mike secretly claiming the £250,000 prize. The remaining six pairs then had to choose a briefcase, hoping to avoid the early departure card.
Best friends Briony and Chelsey selected the ill-fated suitcase, resulting in their immediate elimination before they could even check into the hotel. Another pair will later receive the next early checkout card, but their identities remain unknown for now.
Viewers took to social media to express their shock at the unexpected twist. One wrote on X: 'Someone getting eliminated before it starts? Well I never saw that coming.' Another commented: 'So much for ITV budget cuts flying 11 couples to the Caribbean only to fly one pair home back on day 1.' A third added: 'Wow harsh start to the show I love it.'
