A BENIDORM fan favourite has revealed fresh hope for a long-awaited reboot – but behind-the-scenes drama could see ITV pull the plug before it even gets off the ground.
Benidorm fans were hoping for a reunion when rumours started flying back in April – and now show legend Sherrie Hewson has spilled some juicy new details.
The Sun revealed the ITV show is set to return after eight years[/caption]
Sherrie Hewson shared that the scripts for the reboot are done[/caption]
The actress, who played no-nonsense hotel boss Joyce Temple-Savage, revealed that fresh scripts for a brand-new season have already been written and handed to ITV bigwigs – and she reckons they “think they are wonderful”.
During an appearance at An Evening with Sherrie Hewson, she said: “I do know ITV have got new scripts and they love them and think they are wonderful.
“The problem with Benidorm is that it’s probably one of the most expensive shows ever because it’s in Spain, we have a Spanish crew, we have a British crew, so it costs a fortune to make.
“But it’s on twice a day every day and those ratings are still as high as they ever were, so I think it will [return].”
Sherrie went on to claim that ITV bosses “love the scripts” and revealed show creator Derren Litten “laughed out loud when he wrote them”.
“So I don’t think there’s any question,” she teased. “It’s just when.”
The Sun exclusively revealed talks have begun about bringing the iconic sitcom back.
But the return of the ITV comedy hit the rocks following a huge falling out between creator Derren Litten and the show’s biggest star Jake Canuso who plays randy barman Matteo.
The pair had quietly been a real life couple, and had been happily married for years, choosing to keep their relationship out of the spotlight.
Living together in Benidorm, Derren even opened a bar called “Matteo’s” in the holiday hotspot which saw Jake often turn up for special guest appearances.
But the couple called time on their relationship at the end of 2022 – leading to one of the messiest divorces in TV history.
They were finally granted a divorce in August 2024.
Derren took to Twitter and said: “I don’t really talk about my personal life here but the reason I’ve been a bit scarce on the socials is for the last 18 months I’ve been going through a pretty miserable divorce.
“So I’m obviously poor now. And you thought we couldn’t have more in common then we already do?!”
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.
A source said: “Matteo is Benidorm, he’s the character that everyone wants to see.
“He’s been part of the Solana since the beginning so for him not to feature in any future reboot, well it just would not be the same without him.
“Jake created one of the show’s most loved characters in Matteo but with everything that’s happened between him and Derren, it’s not looking good.”
Benidorm has had a huge resurgence after Netflix bought the episodes from ITV.
Another source said: “Conversations have been had.
“The only way Jake will return is if ITV make him a huge offer, one that he could not possibly turn down.
“But obviously Derren is making negotiations difficult. He is the writer and creator and believes that he should make all the decisions.
“The fans would want to see Matteo, which ITV get. It’s all become one big headache.”
A spokesperson for Jake insisted they were unaware of any planned return for Benidorm.
Jake and Derren went through a tough divorce last year[/caption]
The former couple’s split is said to have put a spanner in the works of a potential Benidorm reboot[/caption]
