Four in a Bed

The Shoes in Durham marks the opening venue of the competition. Landlord Billy Gowland and his partner Debbie Nelson run the footwear‑themed public house and bed‑and‑breakfast, and they hope it proves the right fit for their guests during the event.

The Shoes is a programme presented as a single episode, its title referring directly to the setting around which the story revolves. As an episode‑type broadcast, it follows a specific event that unfolds within a uniquely named venue, giving the audience a clear focal point from the outset. The opening act of the competition takes place at The Shoes in Durham, positioning the town’s landmark as the backdrop for the challenges ahead. By kicking the contest off at this particular location, the programme immediately ties the action to a place that carries both a literal and thematic connection to the title. The choice of Durham’s The Shoes sets the tone for what follows, anchoring the narrative in a recognisable, locally based environment. Running the venue are landlord Billy Gowland and his partner Debbie Nelson, who have fashioned the establishment into a footwear‑themed pub and bed‑and‑breakfast. Their aim is to ensure that the quirky, shoe‑inspired ambience proves to be the right fit for the guests who will be staying and competing there. With Billy and Debbie at the helm, the duo hopes their distinctive concept will welcome participants comfortably, marrying hospitality with the competition’s central motif.