Showbiz

Lenny Henry 'to stay in 50 Premier Inns'

Published Wednesday, Jan 12 2011, 08:56 GMT | By Christian Tobin

Lenny Henry is to spend five months in Premier Inns while he tours the UK, it has been revealed.

The comedian's advertising deal with the hotel chain, which has apparently caused reservations to rise by more than 10%, means that the star will be staying in 50 branches over the course of his 64-date tour.

"A star of Lenny's calibre would normally stay in four and five-star hotels when travelling," a source told The Sun. "But as he's the face of Premier Inn, he had to join the thousands of others on the road in Britain and shack up in a budget hotel.

"It won't be his most uncomfortable experience as they're perfectly fine hotels, but there won't be any four-poster beds and 24-hour room service."

A Premier Inn spokeswoman confirmed: "Lenny will be staying at Premier Inn with his crew for his upcoming tour. In fact, we're looking forward to receiving his rider."

Prices for a Premier Inn room start from £29 a night.