The male residents

Bobby George - darts’ 'King of Bling' - is a rough diamond with a great sense of humour and an inquisitive mind. He currently co-presents BBC darts coverage, but was originally a builder by trade - digging tunnels for the Victoria tube line until he picked up his first dart at the age of 30.

We all came from different backgrounds but had our ages and life experiences in common

Bobby George

The London-born DIY lover built his own family house, George Hall, which has 18 bedrooms, 12 acres of grounds and a pub. Now he wants to find out about the cost of living and price of property in India. Bobby has never been to India before and struggles with heat, but because his wife loves the sun, Bobby is keen to find out whether the cheap cost of living and property means he could buy a home for them in India.

What did you enjoy most about India?
I enjoyed meeting the people in India. They were very humble and I was amazed at how they did not waste a thing. They made something out of nothing to sell and live!

How were the rest of the group?
We all came from different backgrounds but had our ages and life experiences in common so we all got on.

Do you see India as somewhere you could live?
I could, but there is a lot of red tape to deal with when buying property in the country - you either have to set up a business in India to buy one, or go in with an Indian co-buyer.

If you returned, what would you like to do more of?
I would love to explore the lakes, go fishing and see different parts of India. I’d also find out more about the amount of people and children who suffer blindness through cataracts.

Comedian and TV personality Roy Walker has lived a varied life. Roy began his career as a soprano in the Francis Longford Choir, then served in the army for seven years and worked as everything, from a greengrocer to a bingo caller before becoming successful in the entertainment world.

The hospitality, humility and friendliness of the people is to die for

Roy Walker

Known for programmes including Catchphrase and Phoenix Nights, Belfast-born Roy has only been to India in transit before, so is yet to get the full Indian experience. Warm with an adventurous side, he’s keen to delve into some of India’s many traditions, and is keen to give the Tuk-Tuks a go!

What the most memorable part of the experience?

I enjoyed the travelling. The Taj Mahal was probably the highlight - it was mind-blowing. We also had dinner one night with a Prince and Princess, and a Maharaja. We had some jokes going and some sing songs around a big long table, like a last supper. Even the people who would be most indifferent to each other in real life, bonded. I don’t think I’ll ever be lucky enough to see India in that way again.

What were the major differences between retirement in the UK and India?

First of all your money goes further in India. Also, the hospitality, humility and friendliness of the people is to die for. I was humbled. The hiring of staff is not only more accessible, but they are unbelievably brilliant at what they do.

Young at heart Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy, is most famous for being Doctor Who and recently appeared in The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. A real 'people person', he wants to find out how the elderly are treated in India. Sylvester is also set on visiting the slums to understand how the poor can seem so happy when living in what seems like such squalor.

I dined with kings, drank cocktails with Maharajas, but best of all was dancing with puppeteers in the slums of Jaipur

Sylvester McCoy

What was the highlight of your stay?

Watching a young gypsy man, Danesh, enthusiastically teach his joyful class of slum children how to read and write in English - from his spare bedroom.

Tell us about some of the people you met.

I dined with kings and drank cocktails with Maharajas, but the best of all was dancing with puppeteers in the slums of Jaipur.

What was your role in the group?

To raise a smile, and play the spoons!

Charismatic dancer and performer Wayne Sleep won a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in 1961. Now a Patron of the British Ballet Organisation and Vice-President of the Royal Academy of Dance, his current focus is his charity which provides support for talented youngsters to further their training in theater and dance.

In Indian culture... there is a place for everybody

Wayne Sleep

The Plymouth-born star wants to reconnect with his spiritual side in India and would love to give yoga and meditation a go. Dance, music and culture are his passions, so he’s interested to see what the Indian arts scene has to offer.

What surprised you most about the experience?

How happy and friendly all the people of India were.

Indian culture is so different – what really stood out for you?

The fact that even though the poor are so much poorer than the rich, they are contented with their lot. Also the fact that for Indians, religion is a way of life, whereas in Britain it is mostly treated as a hobby.

What can Brits learn from Indian culture?

Peace of mind - and that there is a place for everybody.

Did you get the cast dancing?

No, because I was far too busy teaching the Indians how to dance! They already have their own way but they asked me to take them for classes and around the villa.