‘Hotel Inspector’ Alex Polizzi, 45, is currently embarking on a voyage of discovery in Channel 5’s new series Spectacular Spain… No (though Alex is fluent in Italian). I did a bit of a course and then I realised very quickly that actually most people over
We’ve already seen you W travelling around Italy for a TV show; now you’re exploring Spain’s hidden nooks and crannies – nice work! I know, but I see it as compensation for the number of horrible hotels I’ve had to stay at (for The Hotel Inspector). After every series, I think: “I can’t do any more!” but then they jolly me up a bit with a trip. At the age I am now, I’m just so happy to learn new stuff, and Spain for me was a real revelation.
Do you speak Spanish? What were the highlights? How long were you away filming for?
I was away for all of June and September last year, and part of July. Normally I do that thing everyone who travels a lot does – setting out your hotel room the way you like it... a book by the bed, unpacking your toiletries – but there wasn’t time in Spain; I was never in a hotel for more than the hours my head was stuck to the pillow. It was a whirlwind.
You’re mum to Olga, eight, and Rocco, four. How did you keep in touch?
Facetime. I didn’t manage to get them out with me this time; partly because we don’t film in the summer holidays. When we did Italy (Alex’s other Channel 5 series) I took them, and a relay team of nannies, with me. But obviously the kids wanted to see me. The amazing thing about not having them with me was I could keep going until filming was done.
The last time we spoke, you told us your downtime is spent lifting weights in the gym – is that still true?
The gym is the first thing to slide when I’m busy and at the moment I’m not there nearly as much as I should be. I’m trying to run, but the depressing thing is you lose strength so quickly. It’s about routine and dedication. When I’m filming, I can’t torture the nanny with another half an hour just so I can squeeze in some exercise!
Spectacular Spain with Alex Polizzi, Fridays, 9pm, Channel 5