Read below for show creator Derren Litten’s scathing comments after ITV axed the programme in 2018
ITV sitcom Benidorm is set to return for an 11th series — eight years after it was brutally axed.
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.
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ITV sitcom Benidorm is set to return for an 11th series
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Loud-mouth matriarch Madge Harvey, played by Sheila ReidCredit: Handout
Favourites included Tim Healy’s cross-dressing bartender Les, and loud-mouth matriarch Madge Harvey, played by Sheila Reid — who chain-smoked while driving around the resort on her mobility scooter.
Sherrie Hewson, who played hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage, has been approached — letting slip in a podcast: “Benidorm is coming back.”
A source 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.”
Benidorm, which was first aired in 2007, was scrapped in 2018 — two months before winning Best Comedy at the TV Choice Awards.
Creator Derren Litten slammed ITV’s axe, telling the crowd as he picked up the gong: “This is a bit awkward, the show’s just been cancelled.”
He added sarcastically: “I’ve huge respect for ITV — a show that’s getting five and a half million viewers and still picking up awards, but they’ve cancelled it. That takes balls.”
Six months ago, Derren — who has been working as a DJ in Spain in recent years — launched a Facebook group promising superfans “exclusive Benidorm pictures, videos, gossip and exclusive content not shown anywhere else”.
He fuelled speculation of a Benidorm spin-off when he said he was returning to writing for TV and theatre.
The sitcom hilariously portrayed British holidaymakers mixing with quirky staff at the Solana all-inclusive resort in Spain.
Stars included Sheridan Smith, Steve Pemberton, Hannah Waddingham and Johnny Vegas — plus cameos from Cilla Black and Joan Collins.
ITV were said to have axed the show after being “disappointed” only 4.3 million fans tuned in for the 10th series opener, a 400,000 drop on the previous year’s launch.
Bosses said the series had “run its course”, claiming the time was right to let it go out while still ITV’s longest-running comedy.
But it gained a new lease of life after being added to the ITVX streaming service — reaching a new generation of fans.
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Star Sherrie Hewson also dropped a hint the beloved ITV show is set to returnCredit: ITV
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.
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