They won an impressive £210,000 prize as Jo-Anne and Will, a mother and son team, beat nine other pairs to win the final of ITV’s game show. The Fortune Hotel in May 2024. Their success not only showcased their strategic prowess, but also their philanthropy and sportsmanship, as they distributed part of their winnings among their fellow contestants.
The Journey to Victory
Based at a luxe Caribbean resort, “The Fortune Hotel” housed ten pairs with a briefcase containing either a large cash prize, an empty briefcase or the dreaded Early Checkout Card, which resulted in instant elimination. Over the course of the series, contestants faced challenges and made strategic case trades, with hopes of owning the cash-filled briefcase by the series’ conclusion.
Mother Jo-Anne, 55, won with son Will, 20, from Sheffield showing outstanding gameplay. They skillfully worked through alliances, challenges, and the intricacies of case swaps, and ended up keeping the briefcase containing £200,000. They had also banked a score of £10,000 earlier in the series, totalling their winnings for the week to £210,000.
A Heartfelt Gesture
Jo-Anne and Will’s compassion also shined through, beyond their strategic acumen. No sooner had they lifted the trophy than they offered a sizeable £5000 to co-contestants Aysha and Samm, a married couple who would otherwise be going home with nothing. We want to give you five grand out of ours so that you can do whatever you want to do with your kids,” Will said. You deserve it no less than any of the rest of us.”
Personal Victories and Plans for the Future
The victory meant the world to Jo-Anne, who had fought skin cancer nine years earlier. “I’m just so grateful to be here,” she said, expressing overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity. Will was commenting on their new-found fortune and noted that they would travel and reinvest in an education as they only wanted to ‘make the most of it.’
Show’s Reception and Future
Hosted by Stephen Mangan, “The Fortune Hotel” did keep viewers, including the avidly watched Stephanie Davis, gripped, with the format likened to other reality offerings, including “The Traitors.” Its mix of strategy, deception and human emotion resonated with audiences, leading to talk of a follow-up series. Casting for the new series is already on its way as reports claim ITV is looking to renew the show.
