The Guest Wing, 8pm, Wednesday 11th April on Sky Atlantic HD

London (13 March 2012): SKY ATLANTIC HD will take viewers behind the beautiful facades of some of the country’s finest stately homes to discover how 21st Century aristocrats and their staff have adapted to life in credit-crunch Britain in new documentary series THE GUEST WING.

Behind the privilege, titles and mansions, the world of the aristocracy may not be as luxurious as it first appears or indeed, once was. With huge mansions falling into ruin, utility bills escalating and 'old money' running out, the inhabitants of Chillingham Castle (Northumberland), Maunsel House (Somerset), Carlton Towers (East Yorkshire) and Muncaster Castle (Cumbria) must find new ways to achieve an income before everything is lost.

Opening their homes to visitors willing to pay to enjoy their weekends, weddings and celebrations in , THE GUEST WING properties and their inhabitants will play host to a range of events and experiences over the course of this six part documentary series.

From weddings to stag parties, the stately homes attract weekend guests from all walks of life and THE GUEST WING explores the inevitable culture clash between the old money hosts and their paying guests.

From eccentric earls to busy baronets to harassed housekeepers, THE GUEST WING will also examine the modern day Upstairs Downstairs divide as the households are adapted for contemporary events, offering a unique insight into the day to day life of a modern day stately home and its inhabitants.

THE GUEST WING is a Landmark Films production exclusively for Sky Atlantic HD. The series is Executive Produced by Nick O’Dwyer at Landmark Films and the Commissioning Editor for Sky is Siobhan Mulholland.

THE GUEST WING forms part of the channel’s commissioning and acquisition strategy to bring the most compelling stories, from both sides of the Atlantic, exclusively to Sky customers. Its stellar schedule includes Mad Men, Game of Thrones and UK-originations Hit & Miss, created by Paul Abbott and starring Chloe Sevigny as well as Great Britain: Our Story, the channel’s first foray into high-end factual entertainment.

THE GUEST WING will air exclusively on Sky Atlantic HD from Wednesday 11th April, 8pm and on the move with Sky Go.

For further information please contact

Megan MacLeod - Publicist, Sky Movies HD, Sky Atlantic HD
T:
E: megan.macleod@bskyb.com

Notes to editor

For more information please contact:

Fiona Williams

Just Williams PR

T: +44 (0)20 8746 7778

Fiona@justwilliamspr.co.uk

Beverley Wilkins

Just Williams PR

M : +44 (0)7525 042572

beverley.@beverleywilkins.co.uk

www.skypressoffice.co.uk

Follow us on twitter @skyatlantic

Photography available from www.image.net or StillsDepartment@bskyb.com

Notes to Editors:

About Sky

Sky entertains and excites more than 10.4 million homes through the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Living pushes ahead with fresh and innovative entertainment formats; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Atlantic is the home to HBO and other iconic drama and comedy, Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; Sky News remains a pioneer in television news; and Sky Movies is leading the way in High Definition and on-demand.

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