Banjo Beale's remarkable Scottish island hotel renovation is set to return to our screens. After winning over viewers with the dramatic transformation of the derelict Ulva House on the Isle of Ulva, Banjo & Ro's Grand Island Hotel has been renewed for a second series.
Across six new episodes, former Interior Design Masters winner Banjo and his husband Ro will continue to transform the historic mansion into a boutique hotel, tackling fresh design challenges, restoration projects, and the realities of renovating on a remote Scottish island.
Banjo and Ro relocated to Ulva along with Grampa the dog in 2025, where they embraced the challenges of remote island life with a limited budget to transform the abandoned Ulva House into a stunning destination hotel.
For series two, they’ll be joined by their new Scottish Deerhound puppy Cousin Jerry, as well as welcoming back their band of handymen and locals.
‘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,' says Wendy Rattray, executive producer.
After its premiere in January, the first series of Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel was an iPlayer success, featuring in the Top 10 BBC lifestyle titles of 2026.
‘We’re so excited to be back,’ says interior designer Banjo. ‘We blew our budget last year so this time around we’re really getting creative. The plans are bigger, and so is our family. As we continue the ambitious restoration of Ulva House, we’ll be welcoming new puppies, peacocks, a llama and plenty of drama.
‘Life on a remote island is never straightforward, but that’s exactly what makes it such an adventure. There’ll be big dreams, bigger builds, hard work, lots of laughs and, you can bet, a few mishaps along the way.’
Speaking about the new series, Ro says viewers can expect even more ambitious renovation projects, unexpected challenges and plenty of Banjo's trademark big ideas.
‘Most people, after renovating a crumbling mansion on a remote island, would probably have a lie down. Banjo looked at the situation and decided what we really needed was more animals, more projects and less money. So naturally we’ve got grand plans to finish the hotel and somehow, even more hare-brained schemes I’ve yet to sign off on,’ says Ro.
‘Every time I think we’re nearly finished, Banjo appears with another sketch and says, “I’ve had an idea.” The four most dangerous words in my world. Thankfully I have Rhuri, the island ferryman, postman and therapist keeping him honest and our neighbour Barry who’s not afraid to share his opinion. It’s a wild ride and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
Cal Turner, commissioning editor for BBC Factual Entertainment and Events, describes the series as both ‘escapist and inspiring’, while Louise Thornton, head of commissioning, BBC Scotland, says Banjo and Ro are 'irresistible to watch'.
Since winning Interior Design Masters in 2022, Australian-born Banjo has become one of the show's biggest success stories. Alongside designing sustainable, characterful interiors for clients across the UK and beyond, he has written several interior design books, joined the judging panel on Scotland's Home of the Year, and is now documenting the transformation of his own dream boutique hotel for the BBC.
• Read more: Interior Design Masters: Where are they now?
Filming on Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel is currently underway until autumn. It's expected to air on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland and BBC Two in 2027.
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