MARRIED couple Nigel Dixon and Damian Bailey appeared on the Channel 4 reality show in 2022, but have since opened up about their “nightmare” experience.
The pair, who own the Newholme Hotel in Blackpool, have spoken out against Channel 4‘s production team claiming the director was responsible for “stirring up conflict” behind-the-scenes.
Nigel and Damian appeared on the long-running B&B competition show Four in a Bed in 2022. They were joined by three other couples: Nyoami and Joe, Liz and Tracey, and Meg and Yvonne.
Because of lockdown restrictions, filming for their five episodes was disrupted, which meant they had long waits between visits to each property.
After a pleasant trip to the Nyoami and Joe’s hotel in the tranquil village of Broomhill, Northumberland, it was Nigel and Damien’s turn to host.
After a five-month hiatus, they excitedly welcomed their competitors to their Blackpool abode, which they described as “a high-end budget hotel” with “luxury touches.”
However, the couple have since revealed that they got more than they bargained for during the visit.
Writing about their experience on their website, Nigel and Damian detailed how they felt the series director “deliberately” amped up tensions behind the scenes, making filming a really unpleasant experience.
“As the day unfolded and we continued filming with the director, however, tensions began to escalate. His actions seemed deliberately aimed at stirring up conflict between us,” they wrote, before revealing that food which had been provided for them was completely inedible.
“To make matters worse, the lunch provided was an utter disappointment. Cold, burnt, and barely edible, it was food I wouldn’t even have served to my dog,” the couple explained.
Nigel and Damian added: “At that point, we had reached our breaking point. We both voiced our frustrations, threatening to bring the filming to an abrupt halt before the evening drinks.
“Liz and Tracey joined our protest, echoing our desire to put an end to this unpleasant ordeal.”
Thankfully, tensions were diffused somewhat the following day and Nigel and Damian recalled having a better experience as filming progressed.
They enjoyed the stunning Scottish scenery as they visited Liz and Tracey’s property near Loch Lomond, and Meg and Yvonne’s place on the Isle of Arran.
However, the couple added that they felt that the crew did not take care of them and the other contestants properly on several occasions, which led to Liz and Tracey departing from the show early.
Channel 4 has been contacted for comment.
Channel 4 boasts a number impressive competition shows, but which ones are really the best?
Four in a Bed
Come Dine With Me
The Great British Bake Off
Bake Off: The Professionals
Four in a Bed is available to stream on 4.
