ALEX Polizzi is best known for her TV work as the Hotel Inspector.
The star is certainly never afraid of pulling her punches and dishing out some tough love.
Who is Alex Polizzi?
British businesswoman Alex Polizzi was born on August 28, 1971, in Poplar, London.
The TV star comes from a family well-acquainted with the hospitality industry.
Her grandfather, the notable Scottish hotelier Lord Forte, was the founder of the Forte Group.
Her mother Olga Polizzi, was a former councillor for Westminster City Council and is an interior designer.
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The group is known for including renowned brands such as Travelodge.
Alex trained at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and worked with Marco Pierre White.
She is known for starring in The Hotel Inspector and Alex Polizzi: The Fixer.
Alex has also fronted travel shows Spectacular Spain With Alex Polizzi and Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy.
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She also hosted the BBC Two series, Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial, where she visited various food outlets.
In 2018, Alex invited her brother-in-law, renowned restaurateur Oliver Peyton to collaborate with her.
They took part in the Channel 5 series titled Peyton And Polizzi’s Restaurant Rescue.
In August 2021, Alex Polizzi: My Hotel Nightmare aired on Channel 5.
It chronicled the renovation of The Star during the Covid-19 pandemic prior to its opening.
What is The Hotel Inspector?
The Hotel Inspector first aired in September 2005 and Polizzi took over presenting duties in 2008.
The show was originally narrated by Richard Vranch in 2005 and by Mark Halliley between 2006 and 2015.
Alex then also took over narration in 2016.
There have been two series of spin-offs modelled on the format of The Hotel Inspector.
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In March 2010, there was The Business Inspector which saw the late Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey dispensing advice to struggling small businesses.
In June 2011, The Restaurant Inspector was broadcast and starred Fernando Peire who dished out guidance to restaurants looking to improve profits.
In 2023, The Hotel Inspector was ditched by Channel 5 in a major switch-up.
However, it is returning for season 19 in March 2024.
Which hotel does Alex Polizzi own?
Alex co-owns The Star in Alfriston, East Sussex with her mother Olga.
She had previously managed the Hotel Endsleigh in Milton Abbot, Devon.
The presenter is also closely involved with her family’s hotel group, The Polizzi Collection, which includes The Star, Hotel Endsleigh, and Hotel Tresanton, Truro.
Who was the former Hotel Inspector?
Polizzi replaced hotelier and food writer Ruth Watson in 2008.
She fronted several shows including Country House Rescue, which aired from 2008 to 2011
In 2009, Watson starred in a TV show called Ruth Watson’s Hotel Rescue which aired for two months.
However the show was not recommissioned for any future series.
She guest-presented the Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, standing in for Craig Charles in 2010.
The broadcaster then presented Ruth Watson Means Business!, a 15-part series on Channel 4.
Watson has also written three books including The Really Helpful Cookbook, Fat Girl Slim, and her cookbook Something for the Weekend.
Is Alex married and does she have children?
Alex is married to husband Marcus Miller, who is a baker.
The couple wed in 2007, after 12 years of waiting before deciding to get married.
They have two children together, Olga and Rocco, and live in South London.
According to the Daily Mail, she suffered three miscarriages prior to having her son.
Speaking to the Inter Schools Advertiser, Alex said she has “never gone back to working full time” after having children.
Alex added that while filming, she has to be away between Tuesday and Thursday.
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She said: “My days at home are devoted to the children and then I have to get everything done before leaving at 6am on Tuesday morning.”
The Hotel Inspector airs on Channel 5 on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 9pm.
