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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Ian Johnston

Chris Eubank 'gets in on the joke' by promoting youth hosteling

The former boxing champion enjoys a sing-a-long with hostel residents (Hostelworld/YouTube)

Two decades after “Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank” was first pitched as an idea for a TV show by the fictional broadcaster Alan Partridge, the former boxer has got “in on the joke” by recording a spoof trailer to promote a hostel company.

The trailer – made for the Hostelworld, which operates in 165 countries – sees Eubank dressed in a trademark vintage suit, monocle and cane checking into a hostel.

He declares the rooms “splendid” and “extraordinary” while a bunk bed is “quite good”.

In a 1997 episode of I’m Alan Partridge, the star, played by Steve Coogan, tried desperately to pitch ideas for a new show to the BBC.

Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank was among his suggestions, which became increasingly odd as Partridge suffered a breakdown.

However, Eubank said: “Up until recently, I had absolutely no idea why people used to mention hostels to me and smile. It was truly an unsolved mystery to me.

“Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank has now become a reality and finally, albeit a little embarrassed and ashamed, I'm in on the joke 18 years after Alan Partridge pitched it!”

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