Comedian Alan Carr, affectionately known as 'Chatty Man', has embarked on a regal new chapter by purchasing a historic Scottish castle, which comes with the prestigious title of baron. The 49-year-old television personality confirmed the acquisition of Ayton Castle, a 19th-century stately home in Ayton, Scotland, during an appearance on the Staying Relevant podcast with hosts Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson.
From Traitor to Baron: A Royal Transformation
Fresh from his victory as the first-ever winner of BBC One's Celebrity Traitors in November, where he deceived finalists Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga to secure £87,500 for charity, Carr is now trading his traitor cloak for noble robes. His inspiration stemmed from filming at Ardross Castle during the show, sparking a desire for his own Scottish fortress.
"I have bought it. Someone said someone else has bought it but, no, I have. I haven't been this excited about a project for ages," Carr enthusiastically declared. "I've got the survey now and I'm waiting for the keys to come. I'll be a baron and I'll be getting my own tartan — I might get a nice man up there."
Disney+ Documents the Castle Adventure
The entire process of buying and managing the property is being captured by a Disney+ documentary crew for a new series titled Castle Man. The show will follow Carr as he builds a life at Ayton Castle ahead of his milestone 50th birthday, offering viewers a glimpse into his personal midlife transformation.
In a statement released in January, Carr explained his unconventional choice: "Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle. 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!"
A Busy Year for the Comedian
The castle purchase caps off an exceptionally productive period for Carr, who has leveraged his Celebrity Traitors win into a flurry of projects. His recent endeavours include:
- Presenting Amanda and Alan's Greek Job with Amanda Holden, marking their third travel series for the BBC.
- Hosting Channel 4's heartwarming series Secret Genius alongside Susie Dent, where they uncover underestimated clever individuals.
- Participating in the new series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK, featuring comedians like Bob Mortimer, David Mitchell, Maisie Adam, and Romesh Ranganathan.
With Castle Man set to debut, Carr continues to expand his entertainment portfolio while embracing his newfound aristocratic status, complete with a custom tartan and baronial title.
