Benidorm boss CONFIRMS he’s in talks with ITV to bring back sitcom 7 years after it was cancelled
THE maker of hit British comedy series Benidorm confirmed that he is having talks with ITV about a new series of the show.
Derren Litten, writer of the outlandish comedy that follows a bunch of British tourists on a resort vacation in the Spanish town, was hosting a Facebook live on Sunday evening responding to comments from fans and some stars of the show, until he announced that the show may return from its 7 year hiatus.
He directly addressed Sherrie Hewson, who plays Joyce Temple savage, the manager of the fictional hotel on the show, about rumours that she had been spreading about the show’s return.
Derren said: “Sherrie does this rumour every couple of years, and Sherrie says that the show is coming back, and she is not s*** stirring, she is hopeful because she loves the show as much as I do.”
The TV writer then goes on to basically confirm the rumour himself by saying: “If I say ITV have not commissioned a new Benidorm series, it is because ITV have not commissioned a new Benidorm series, up to today. Does it mean they might commission a new series in the near future? Possibly.”
The writer then taunts those on the live by adding: “Have I been talking to ITV in the last few months? Yes I have.
“Have ITV commissioned a special or a series at the moment? No. Might they in the next few weeks, couple of months? Yeah they might. They might.
“So I hope that gives you some hope, and I hope that gives you some idea of where we are.”
Actress and former Loose Women star Sherrie has previously been asked about the show’s return, admitting: “There is this thing that it’s coming back though, and I keep that alive.”
Last week The Sun revealed that channel bosses are in secret talks over a comeback for the award-winning series about Brits abroad, with hopes of reuniting the all-star cast.
A source at the time said: “Benidorm was adored by millions when it was suddenly cancelled. Fans will be thrilled to hear ITV wants to bring it back.
“An 11th series hasn’t been commissioned yet, but there’s major excitement building as early talks begin.”
“Producers have started to reach out to the show’s stars and are hopeful a decision can be made later this year.”
The raunchy comedy aired on ITV for ten series from 2007, reaching an average audience of over 8 million viewers.
The show was cancelled in 2018 as ratings steadily declined.
Last year Derren seemed to shut down any notions of the show being rebooted in an interview with the Daily Star: “If we could all do like a one-off special, but they’re so expensive. It was a very expensive show Benidorm, it was very lavishly produced.”
But his recent comments on Facebook seem to show that at least a special is being talked about with ITV.
Viewers of the Facebook live revelled at Derren’s teasing comments.
One user commented: “Really hope it comes back”, whilst another penned: “Please say yes it’s coming back.”
Benidorm cast members
Airing from 2007 to 2018, ITV sitcom Benidorm had a wide range of stars appear during its decade-long run
- Johnny Vegas: The popular comedian played Geoff Maltby aka “The Oracle”
- Steve Pemberton: Writer, comedian and co-creator of Inside No. 9starred as Mick Garvey.
- Siobhan Finneran: Coronation Street and Downton Abbey actress Siobhan played the part of Janice Garvey.
- Crissy Rock: The Liverpudlian stand-up comedian played Janey Yorke.
- Tony Maudsley: Now known as George Shuttleworth on Coronation Street, Tony’s Benidorm stint saw him portray Kenneth Du Beke.
- Sherrie Hewson: Another Corrie alum, the former Loose Women panellist had the role of Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm.
- Hannah Waddingham: Best known for playing Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, Hannah played Tonya Dyke in Benidorm.
- Danny Walters: Having later played ill-fated EastEnders hunk Keanu Taylor, Benidorm fans knew Danny as Tiger Dyke.
- John Challis: The late Only Fools and Horses actor, who played Boycie, had a stint in Benidorm as Monty Evans/Staines.
- Nathan Byron: Nathan had a recurring role in Ghosts as Mike’s friend Obi, but also appeared in Benidorm as Joey Ellis.