Kentish Express Ashford & District
Yes, we’re haunted – by tourists!
Villagers fear TV show may bring more screamers
Television bosses say villagers have nothing to fear from a new celebrity haunted hotel programme – and they have secured a stellar line-up for viewers.
The W channel, part of UKTV, will be broadcasting the paranormal programme with a host of celebrities in a spooky hotel setting for the next five nights, presented by Christine Lampard.
But villagers in Pluckley were spooked by the news of the programme being made, fearing that it would bring even more interest from anti-social ghost hunters.
While the venue for the show will only be announced when it airs tonight (Thursday), Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Martin Chambers and parish council chairman Chris Housman are in no doubt it will be in Pluckley.
They say television security teams have been setting up at the Elvey Farm Country Hotel on the outskirts of the village, with the old oasthouse being used as the main setting.
Mr Chambers said: “We haven’t had any police incidents, but in the past we’ve had ghost hunters coming to the village and scaring themselves witless in the woods or in the churchyard.
“It’s not just at Halloween, either. It tends to continue in the weeks running up to and following on from the night, with people shouting and screaming at two o’clock in the morning.
“The concern is that on top of those who we normally get, the television will describe how we’re the most haunted village in England, which will bring in extra ghost hunters.” In response, Louise Plank. from Plank PR, the firm which represents W, said the show would not lead to more problems for villagers.
She said: “This is a live televisual event best enjoyed from the comfort of a sofa as there will be nothing to see on location.
“We are not publicising the location in advance and will actively encourage viewers to join in via social media instead.”
Participants will be checking in for either a night or two nights of spooky paranormal experiments led by a team of paranormal experts, culminating in a grand finale on Halloween, Monday, October 31.
It starts at 9pm tonight (Thursday), Sky channel 109, Virgin Media channel 125 and BT channel 311. It can also be followed on social media @LiveOnW or by the hashtag #CelebHauntedHotel.