Saturday March 7th 2026
Ayton Castle, Berwickshire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Villagers in Berwickshire have been invited to have a natter about a celebrity ‘Chatty Man’ and his plans for a Disney TV show on their doorstep.
Comedian and Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr has purchased Ayton Castle for more than £3.25 million.
The 17-bedroom Gothic estate dates back to 1845 and spans approximately 160 acres of listed gardens and parkland.
Disney+ are working with the star on a new series called Castle Man – inspired by the title of his Channel 4 chat show, Chatty Man and to be filmed in and around the castle.
Now the production team behind the programme will be holding a public meeting for residents, in Ayton Bowling Club on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30pm, where they will be answering questions regarding the show and how it will impact the village.
But attendees have been informed that Mr Carr will not be at the gathering and that because the bowling club can only hold a maximum of 120 people admission will be on a “first come basis”.
The reaction to the show locally has been generally positive on social media, one villager saying: “I think this is quite exciting – I hope it has a positive impact on the village.”
One of the issues likely to be raised at the meeting is if access to the castle’s grounds would still be available.
The reality show is being produced by Expectation, the same company which is behind Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video.
In the official release promoting the show, Sean Doyle, vice president (unscripted) at Disney+, said: “Alan Carr is one of those rare talents who brings instant warmth, wit, and originality to everything he touches.
“We’ve watched him turn his hand to stand-up, game shows, podcast, and presenting, but when we discovered he was looking to purchase a castle to run, we knew this was a journey we had to follow.
“Expect Alan in new territory, with all the same riotous entertainment you know and love.”
Carr, who turns 50 in June, added: “Some men when they have a mid-life crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle.
“Since I was a boy in Northampton, I’ve always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home and as I turn fifty, I feel it’s my time.
“All I want is a turret to call my own – get me over that drawbridge!”
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