BBC Scotland and BBC Factual Entertainment commissioning have ordered a second 6×60 series of Hello Halo’s Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel.
Interior designer Banjo Beale and his partner Ro will once again welcome cameras back to their Grand Island Hotel on the remote Scottish isle of Ulva as the project to turn the derelict mansion into a stunning boutique hotel continues.
Banjo and Ro relocated to Ulva along with Grampa the dog in 2025, embracing the challenges of remote island life and a limited budget to transform the abandoned Ulva House into a stunning destination hotel. This time, they’ll be joined by their new Scottish Deerhound puppy Cousin Jerry as well as welcoming back their band of handymen and locals.
The first series of Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel was an iPlayer success, featuring in the Top 10 BBC lifestyle titles of 2026.
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel is co-commissioned for the BBC by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland and Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events Commissioning. The BBC Scotland Commissioner is Heather Kane-Darling and the BBC’s Factual Entertainment and Events Commissioner is Cal Turner. The Executive Producers are Wendy Rattray and Joff Wilson for Hello Halo. The series will be directed and produced by Jo Sharpe.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, says: “Audiences adored being part of Banjo and Ro’s renovation story and we’re delighted to jump on the boat and revisit Ulva once again for more Grand Island Hotel adventures. Although they faced their fair share of challenges, their vision was irresistible to watch and they warmly welcomed audiences across the country into their home.”
Cal Turner, Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual Entertainment and Events, says: “At its heart, this is a story about big dreams, bold ideas and the realities of making them happen. Banjo and Ro’s infectious enthusiasm, coupled with the extraordinary setting of Ulva, creates a series that is both escapist and inspiring. We’re delighted to be returning to the island to see what challenges, triumphs and surprises await them next.”
Wendy Rattray, Executive Producer, says: “We were thrilled that audiences fell in love with Banjo, Ro and life on the island. This time, as they work to turn their dream into a reality, they’re faced with some unexpected challenges, including a health scare that forces Ro to slow down and rethink how he works. Thankfully, Banjo remains firmly in post as Chief Imagination Officer, while new arrival Cousin Jerry brings a fresh dose of chaos to island life.”
Filming on Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel is now underway until the Autumn. The series is expected to air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC Two in 2027.
Jon Creamer
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