Former EastEnders star John Altman - known to millions as Albert Square villain Nick Cotton - is among the celebrities taking part in the new series of travel show The Real Marigold Hotel on BBC One from Thursday, April 30.
Altman will join fellow actors Britt Ekland and Susie Blake, Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne; designer Zandra Rhodes; Chuckle Brother Paul Chuckle; cricket commentator Henry Blofeld and singer Barbara Dickson, as they "road test retirement in India".
Altman, who first visited India in 1969, told the BBC he had "special moments with everyone" while making the new series.
"It allowed me to reflect over how the last 50 years I've changed, and what an extraordinary time it's been," he continued.
🇮🇳 Eight celebrities travelled to India for #TheRealMarigoldHotel. Watch from 30 April on @BBCOne and find out more from @BrittEkland, @DuncanBannatyne, @Zandra_Rhodes, @PaulChuckle2, @blowersh, @JohnAltman4Real, Susie Blake and @BarbaraDickson >> https://t.co/VkL7w66g82 pic.twitter.com/Lb8wDFCBAE
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 15, 2020
"I almost feel it's another person that went to India [in 1969]… all the experiences I have been through and what a fortunate life I have had. I've become fairly well known in the acting business and made some success out of it. I never even dreamed I would be doing that."
When asked what The Real Marigold Hotel had taught him, he replied: "I'm 67 so I've learnt most things about myself. Maybe to slow down. To give myself some chilling out time. I'm a busy, busy person.
"When we got there I looked back at myself in England and realised I like to keep busy but I do need to give myself some relaxing time."
He added that he would "definitely" go back to India again.
"I've always called it 'Planet India', as it's extraordinary in so many ways. There are parts of it I am yet to see. I'd love to go back to Goa."
