A MOTHER and son team running a popular Bournemouth hotel will be trying to impress their toughest guests when they appear on a television competition.

James and Fiona Milligan, of Derby Manor Hotel, are starring in an episode of the Channel 4 programme Four in a Bed in June.

The reality series sees four pairs of bed and breakfast or hotel owners compete to be voted the best establishment.

The episodes airing from Monday, June 12, will feature James and Fiona as they spend a night at three establishments across the country and review each one at the end of their stay.

It will then be their turn to welcome the other competitors, going all out to ensure they impress their critical guests in a bid to be declared the best value hotel in the competition.

James, managing director of Derby Manor Hotel, said taking part in the show was “strange” and “exciting”, but he remained tight-lipped about how the hotel fared in the competition.

“We were approached by Channel 4 as we’re the number one hotel in Bournemouth on Trip Advisor. Initially we said no but then decided to go ahead with it as it will be good to advertise the hotel to millions of viewers.

“It was a weird experience – definitely strange and surreal but also exciting, and it was good to meet the other hotel owners.”

The episodes were filmed in November 2016 over two weeks, with the average day of filming lasting 12 hours according to James.

“We travelled a good 800 miles over the course of filming,” he said.

“We’d spend a whole day and night at the hotel doing various activities. It was fun, and we were the last hotel to be visited which was good as it gave the others a chance to get to know us.

“The other hotels were all across the country – the closest one we visited was a good two-and-a-half hours away,” he continued.

“There was a good mix of people on the show who each had different eccentricities. We’ve arranged to meet up after the show airs – although, we might not want to after hearing what everyone has said about each other’s hotels behind the scenes.”

Derby Manor Hotel only opened in January 2016 after a £1million refurbishment.

James said the hotel’s popularity was due to its “relaxed approach”.

“We’re sometimes referred to as a London hotel in Bournemouth, but our prices are very good,” he added.