Hotel Babylon

31 December, 2006 by The_Boss

Tamzin Outhwaite and Max Beesley return to star in series two of the hit BBC show Hotel Babylon, a tantalising and seductive insight into the sexy world of the luxury five-star hotel industry, where money not only talks but can buy just about anything you desire!
The second series from independent production company Carnival Films for BBC One began filming in July 2006.

Inspired by Imogen Edwards-Jones' searing expose of life behind the scenes of the luxury hotel industry in London, Hotel Babylon takes us on a journey beyond the glamour and facade of the smiling faces and glittering chandeliers and into the frenetic, non-stop world of the staff.

Edwards-Jones' book was written with help from an anonymous source. Anonymous is the manager of a five-star central London hotel. For the past 16 years he has worked in almost all of the capital's luxury hotels.

Tamzin Outhwaite plays Rebecca, the hotel's driven and ambitious General Manager who is determined to keep the profit margins more than above average. Running a tight ship ensures that guests and staff are rewarded. Loyalty is everything and Rebecca will tolerate most things as long as they don't adversely affect her balance sheets.
But has work taken its toll on her private life? Series two finds her in the middle of a divorce, working harder than ever and at times losing sight of her friends. But when faced with romance at work will Rebecca practice what she preaches to her staff?

Max Beesley plays Charlie who is the viewers' guide to the world of Hotel Babylon – a world of fantasy, indulgence, a world where you can be who you want to be as long as you have the money to pay for it ... and know who to ask!
But even Charlie finds his patience tested on many occasions throughout the second series and, when faced with a family dilemma, he sails too close to the wind and risks landing himself back in the slammer.

Other returning characters include the charismatic, colourful and discreet Head Concierge Tony played by Dexter Fletcher.
Head Receptionist Anna (Emma Pierson) is as lovable as ever but still knows how to press Charlie's buttons as only two people who have been to bed can.

Her colleague Ben (Michael Obiora) is still camping it up and Gino (Martin Marquez), Babylon's flamboyant Head Barman, is back to mix more cocktails and fleece more customers for top tips.

The dashing but desperately snobby James (Ray Coulthard) is back managing his newly-refurbished restaurant and Jackie (Natalie Mendoza), the gorgeous Head of Housekeeping who has to deal with the mornings after the night before, make up the rest of the front of house team.

Newcomer Paul Telfer plays Tony's new trainee Luke. With his good looks, confidence and naughty streak, he promises to turn heads both back and front of house. But his arrogance comes at a price!

Series two has many visiting guest artists playing a whole host of characters and in some cases themselves.

The series kicks off with a sparkling array of talent to match Babylon's shimmering chandeliers with Cherie Lunghi, Russ Abbot, Ronni Ancona, Chris Moyles, Chantelle Houghton and Kacey Ainsworth.

Other actors in series two include David Walliams, Jerry Hall, Danny Dyer, Chris Parker, Richard Hawley, Alexander Armstrong, John Sessions, Chris Coghill, Mark Heap, John Sessions, Kelly Brooke, Julian Clary and Jennifer Ellison.