‘Hotel Portofino’ boss reveals new story hints and who’s back in Season 2
The first details about the next season of Hotel Portofino have been revealed.
Adapted from JP O’Connell’s book, the lavish new period drama premiered in the US on PBS earlier this month.
The series follows a British family who open a hotel for upper class travellers on the magical Italian Riviera during the ‘Roaring 20s’, set against the historical backdrop of the rise of Fascism in Mussolini’s Italy.
Watch the trailer:
Hotel Portofino was a hit when it launched in the UK on BritBox in January, with the six-part first season now sold to over 55 territories around the world.
So it was no huge surprise to hear that a second season is happening!
The show’s producers recently officially confirmed that Hotel Portofino has been renewed for a further six episodes, with Season 1’s writer and director both returning.
Season 2 begins shooting soon in Portofino, Italy, with additional scenes shot on the coast of Croatia.
Executive producer Jo McGrath commented: “Hotel Portofino became an instant hit with audiences worldwide and the second season will feature another heady mix of romance, intrigue, and dangerous ambitions.”
She’s hinted that Season 2 will see “the stakes get even higher for both the guests and the hotel’s owners.”
McGrath has also promised that “the setting and fashions will continue to be a sumptuous feast for the eyes.”
We’re told that the second season will see Ainsworth family relations “at breaking point,” while “the future of the hotel itself is threatened when Cecil does business with the sort of people you just can’t afford to double cross.”
Returning cast members will include Natascha McElhone (Ladies in Lavender) and Mark Umbers (Home Fires) as British expat hoteliers Bella and Cecil Ainsworth.
Lily Fraser (Saint Maud) will also be back as singer turned movie star, Claudine Pascal.
The second season of Hotel Portofino is set to premiere in 2023 on BritBox in the UK and on PBS in the US.
Season 1 is also going to be shown on ITV in the UK this autumn.
JP O’Connell’s Hotel Portofino novel is available on Amazon.