Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the BBC Original series Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel (2026), including its official premiere date, where to watch on BBC iPlayer, a complete episode guide, and the full cast lineup. You’ll also find a clear, step-by-step guide explaining how to watch the series online from outside the UK without interruption. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you quickly so you can start streaming with ease.
How can I watch Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel outside the UK on BBC iPlayer
To watch Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel from outside the UK, use a reliable VPN to connect to a UK server and access BBC iPlayer without restrictions. This allows you to bypass geo-blocking and stream the series online just like a local UK viewer, with smooth playback and full episode access. For legal compliance, you must have a valid UK TV licence when using BBC iPlayer, ensuring a secure and legitimate streaming experience from anywhere in the world.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website, then sign in or create a new BBC account. During registration, you’ll be asked for a UK postcode — if you don’t have one, you can use an online UK postcode generator.
- You can watch Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel outside the UK.
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel Synopsis
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel follows Banjo Beale and Ro as they attempt to transform a derelict island mansion into a sustainable hotel on the remote island of Ulva. Working with a limited budget and scarce resources, they must carefully balance ambition with practicality. Each episode documents the emotional and physical demands of restoring historic spaces while respecting their character. The series blends interior design, hands-on renovation, and the realities of off-grid island living. External pressures such as weather and supply delays constantly threaten progress. Despite the setbacks, Banjo and Ro push forward with determination and adaptability. At its core, the show is about turning a fragile dream into a lasting reality through persistence and teamwork.
When does Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel premiere?
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel premiered on 5 January 2026 on BBC Scotland. The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing weekly on the BBC Scotland television channel.
Cast
- Banjo Beale
An interior designer leading the creative transformation, Banjo drives the visual identity of the project while adapting designs to harsh island conditions. - Ro
Banjo’s husband and project partner, Ro plays a vital role in managing logistics, problem-solving, and keeping the project grounded under pressure. - James Cosmo
The narrator of the series, providing a steady and reflective voice that adds emotional depth and context to the renovation journey.
How many episodes does Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel have?
The first season consists of six episodes, each focusing on a different phase of the renovation and the challenges that come with it.
Episode Guide:
- Home
Banjo and Ro arrive on Ulva and begin work on the mansion, confronting a crumbling library, island logistics, and their first major design test. - Water
An abandoned mansion and an ambitious mural push creative boundaries as the couple begins shaping the hotel’s personality. - Resources
Attention turns to transforming an island café into a destination restaurant, testing materials, budgets, and ingenuity. - Mother Nature
A fierce storm threatens progress, forcing Banjo and Ro to race against time to protect their work and their home. - Folk Tales
Renovations at Ulva House are challenged by mould, financial pressure, and mounting stress as timelines tighten. - Winter Is Coming
Dream materials, kitchen designs, and worsening weather push the couple to their limits as winter approaches.
Where to watch Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel in the UK
You can watch Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel on BBC Scotland, where the series airs on television across the United Kingdom. Full episodes are also available for on-demand streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to watch anytime online. To start streaming, simply sign in with a BBC account and enjoy complete access to the series through the official BBC platform.
What is Ulva House?
Ulva House is a historic mansion that has fallen into disrepair and is the focus of Banjo and Ro’s renovation efforts to create the Grand Island Hotel.
Trailer
FAQs
- Is Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel available for free?
BBC iPlayer does not require a paid subscription, but you must sign in with a BBC account and confirm you have a UK TV licence. - Where is Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel filmed?
The show is filmed on the isle of Ulva, part of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland, showcasing the island’s dramatic landscape and remote living conditions. - Do Banjo and Ro own Ulva House?
No, Banjo and Ro lease Ulva House; the property is owned by a community trust, meaning they do not own it outright but are working under a lease agreement. - What kind of hotel do they plan to create?
Banjo and Ro aim to create a boutique hotel with a mix of rough luxury, offering up to seven bedrooms and a homely yet adventurous guest experience.
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