Babylon's back! And Charlie's in charge

Actor Max Beesley checks out of Hotel Babylon at the end of this series. But, as he reveals, his character Charlie Edwards has got some work to do before he goes...

Your character, Charlie Edwards, is promoted to the role of general manager this series. Is he able to rise to the challenge? "It's a bit different playing the General Manager now because there is more responsibility for Charlie, even though he's not running around like a headless chicken like he was in the first series. He has to be more centred because there is a lot of pressure on him."

We hear that there's a chance of romance developing between Charlie and receptionist Anna Thornton-Wilton this series. What can you tell us? "Let's just say, as usual, Charlie learns his lesson too late."

Apparently, you've been showing of your culinary skills to your Hotel Babylon colleagues... "I'd been promising to cook the boys on the show a meal for the last three years and, finally, I got them round to the house. They were sceptical about what they were going to get but they were blown away by my slow-cooked tomatoes and basil. And I was able to teach Alan Davies and Jeremy Sheffield how to chop properly on set."

What are your plans now you've left Hotel Babylon? "I'm going to take some time off and go to Cuba with my family to play congas and relax by the sea. The plan is that my dad (a talented musician) and I will head off to the bar for a little drink and then hopefully just start grooving and playing a bit of salsa, while my mum and sister soak up the sun."

Will you miss Hotel Babylon? "I've had a great three years working on Hotel Babylon. But the time is right for Charlie to make a move, and there are lots of exciting new projects ahead I want to get my teeth into. He's been a fantastic character to play and I'm now really looking forward to throwing myself into new challenges."