Ep 9. Higher Gitcombe

Four in a Bed season 9 episode 9 takes us to Devon, where the contestants will be staying at Higher Gitcombe. The luxury bed and breakfast is run by owners Paul and Lynnie, and the contestants have high expectations for their stay.

The first to arrive are married couple Jo and Neil who run a guesthouse in Scarborough. They are impressed by the grandeur of the property but notice a few minor issues with their room. They take their concerns to Paul, who is quick to address them and ensure their stay is as comfortable as possible.

Next to arrive is father and son duo Peter and Julian, who run a traditional Welsh guesthouse. They are impressed by the beautiful surroundings and the size of the property, but find fault with some of the fixtures and furnishings. They also have concerns about the breakfast menu, which they feel is too limited.

Third to arrive are friends and business partners Marie and Sharyn, who run a boutique hotel in Hampshire. They are wowed by the grand entrance to the property and the luxurious décor inside. However, they have concerns about the cleanliness of their room and find a spider in the shower.

Finally, married couple Dawn and Nigel arrive, who own a luxury Bed and Breakfast in Cheltenham. They are impressed by the facilities and the attention to detail in their room. However, they also have concerns about the breakfast menu and the portion sizes.

Over the course of the next few days, the contestants will take it in turns to run an activity for the group, with Paul and Lynnie awarding points for their efforts. There are various challenges, including a pottery workshop, a horse riding lesson, and a wine tasting session.

As the week progresses, tensions rise between the contestants as they begin to scrutinize each other's businesses and find fault with their approaches. There are disagreements over the cleanliness of the communal areas, the portion sizes of meals, and the quality of the activities.

On the final day, the contestants gather together to reveal their payment amounts and their ratings for each other's businesses. It's a tense moment as they discover who has won the competition and whether or not they have met their high expectations.

Four in a Bed season 9 episode 9 is a fascinating insight into the world of bed and breakfast businesses, showcasing the challenges faced by owners and the importance of attention to detail. It's a gripping watch, with plenty of drama, tension, and surprises along the way.