Devon hotelier Alex Polizzi is to front the new series of Hotel Inspector.

Polizzi, the niece of Sir Rocco Forte, will replace Ruth Watson, who fronted the first three series of the popular factual entertainment show.

Polizzi trained at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong and has worked at Marco Pierre White's London restaurant Criterion, but currently runs the award-winning Hotel Endsleigh in Tavistock, Devon.

"Too many people go into the hotel business thinking it's going to be an easy option, but it is the toughest job to get right and make money," she said. "For me, great service should start with the first smile you get when you check in – and that costs nothing."

Last year Ruth Watson signed an exclusive deal with Channel 4, effectively ending her involvement with The Hotel Inspector.