November 9, 2018 5.30 pm This story is over 64 months old

Four in a Bed: Runner-up Debbie does Lincoln proud

See Debbie’s photos from the show
Lincoln Holiday Retreat owner Debbie Grant. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln’s Four in a Bed star Debbie Grant said she still felt like a winner after finishing as runner-up in the latest series which concluded on Friday evening.

As previously reported, Debbie owns Lincoln Holiday Retreat, which opened in January 2016 and was the third accommodation to be featured this week when it was the focus of Wednesday’s episode.

Lincoln Holiday Retreat is based on Pig Lane, off Skellingthorpe Road, and includes a lodge, a house and a cottage, with a total of five bedrooms.

Lincoln Holiday Retreat.

With the house, lodge and cottage all available, Debbie, who filmed with the Channel 4 show in June, gave her guests a warm welcome and her hosting skills were rated highly on Wednesday.

A twist on Friday believed to be a first ever for the show saw Mark Hinchliffe and Heidi Donohoe of The Chapel in Harrogate crowned as winners.

The twist came when contestants Carolyn Van Outersterp and daughter Galatea decided to overpay by around £115 to The Chapel and they also underpaid Blackpool couple Luke and John Conway. This is believed to be the biggest over and under payment on the show.

This ultimately proved decisive and Luke and John Conway ended the competition in third, with Caroyln and Galatea finishing fourth.

Debbie during her stay at The Chapel, who were the winners of the show.

Debbie enjoyed being on the television show.

Debbie told The Lincolnite she is keeping in touch with the winners, who will both stay at each other’s accommodation again in the future.

The former NHS worker said: “I walked away as a winner with my integrity intact, that to me is worth more. I had so much fun, met some great people and my yellow belly laughed until it hurt.

“King and I was being filmed (when the show was in Lincoln) and Uphill Lincoln was alive with spirit and amazing outfits. The day the show was filmed was an extremely hot day.

Debbie Grant with a member of the TV crew.

Debbie Grant with one of the sound guys from the film crew.

“It was a real experience I’d do it all again with the drop of a hat. Thanks to Channel 4 for taking care of us. To any other hotelier or B & B or holiday let owner, if they get the opportunity do it, it is an opportunity and experience of a life time.

“I can’t believe the support and camaraderie, fun on social media and people from as far as Ireland, Spain, Australia and Dubai were tuning in. It was lovely to hear from guests and old friends.

Debbie enjoyed the live drawing activity on Thursday’s show.

The live drawing model from the show.

“I left the ambulance service sad thinking I was not good enough, all those years took a toll on my mental health. This show helped me get my spirit back. I found my voice or mojo. I may not be saving lives any more, but I’m back still serving others which makes me happy.

“I feel this will give my business a lift and I do hope I made you laugh and Lincoln proud. I’ve loved being part of Channel 4…watch this space I may just do more.”

Debbie with her fellow Four in the Bed contestants and the film crew.

Winners Mark Hinchliffe and Heidi Donohoe.

On winners Mark and Heidi, she added: “It is a beautiful place and well deserved. I’m staying in touch with Mark and Heidi.”

Anyone wishing to book in at Lincoln Holiday Retreat should call 01522 694736 or email [email protected].