Actor and national treasure, Joanna Lumley, headed to Torquay in her new series, Joanna Lumley's Home Sweet Home this February. The show claims, that after a lifetime of travels that have taken her across the globe, Joanna Lumley is making her most personal journey yet. Over three episodes, she’ll travel from the Yorkshire Dales to St Michael’s Mount, from the Highlands of Scotland to the cobbles of Coronation Street, retracing old steps, meeting inspiring people, and exploring the wonders of the country she calls home.
In the final episode, she headed to one of the English Riviera's most popular bed and breakfasts.
Filmed last October, before the latest lockdown, part of her journey took her from south Wales through Devon and on to Cornwall. During the trip, she stopped off in Dartmoor to meet a grove of Devon Druids as they performed a pagan ceremony and then journeyed on to Torquay. As the UK is synonymous for its bed and breakfast accommodation, she decided to showcase this quintessential British tradition by staying in one of the best B&Bs in the country, which happens to be right on the English Riviera in Torquay.
The 25 Boutique B&B is adults only and was named Best B&B in the world two years in a row by TripAdvisor, receiving its latest accolade in July last year. Despite it being October, the warm and sunny weather of Torquay meant that Joanna and the rest of the crew were lucky enough to experience some beautiful autumnal sunshine during their stay. On check in, Joanna, who famously played “Patsy” in the long running comedy series “Absolutely Fabulous” met another Patsy – the owners’ resident Miniature Schnauzer.
Once introductions were made and she was settled, the owners, Andy and Julian, got the chance to have a chat with the Absolutely Fabulous Joanna.
The episode will focus on the fascinating history and customs that can be found on Dartmoor and the surrounding area, as well as the sunny, friendly atmosphere of the English Riviera, one of Devon's most popular tourist destinations.
Speaking about their star guest, Andy said: “Following a difficult year, it was lovely to meet Joanna and have her support for small accommodation businesses which are the backbone of UK hospitality. I’ve been a huge fan of Absolutely Fabulous for years and so to meet “Pasty” in real life was a dream come true. We’re pleased to be able to show off the English Riviera, particularly in a year where it looks like foreign holidays are off the cards again, it’s the ideal opportunity to attract new people to Devon. We have so much to offer here.”
His husband Julian added: “It was an amazing experience and I hope more people will consider staying in a B&B when planning their next staycation, which are likely to be more popular than ever this year. The traditional seaside bed and breakfast has moved on vastly in the last two decades and now often offers more than hotels can at a fraction of the price, with the sort of personal service you’d get at a five-star hotel.”
Catch Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home, Tuesdays at 8pm on ITV or on catchup on the ITV Hub. The third episode featuring Torquay and Dartmoor airs on 16th February 2021.
Images from 25 Boutique B&B