‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ sequel gets release date

The much-anticipated sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will open in UK cinemas on February 27 next year, it has been announced.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will continue the story of John Madden’s surprise 2012 box office hit, which followed the tangled love lives of pensioners who move to a retirement hotel in India.

The film once again features an all-star cast, with Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Dev Patel all reprising their original roles. Celia Imrie and Penelope Wilton are also returning for the sequel, alongside new additions Richard Gere and Episodes actress Tamsin Greig.

The follow up will focus on the opening of a new hotel by Sonny (Patel) and his newly installed co-manager Muriel (Smith), alongside preparations for his upcoming wedding.

Meanwhile, Maggie Smith’s character on Downton Abbey has been promised a “bigger role” in the show’s fifth season – find out more here.