ITV’s beloved comedy sitcom Benidorm is rumoured to be making a huge comeback nearly eight years after it was unexpectedly axed – with talks taking place for an 11th series. TV executives are reportedly in early discussions about reviving the popular comedy show, which followed the chaotic lives of British holidaymakers and quirky hotel staff at the Solana Resort in the heart of Spain.
The series, which first hit the airwaves in 2007, was cancelled in 2018 despite scooping Best Comedy at the TV Choice Awards just months earlier. Notable cast members, including Tim Healy as the cross-dressing bartender Les, and Sheila Reid who played the sharp-tongued Madge Harvey, are expected to be part of the potential revival.
The beloved comedy show drew in more than five million viewers each week (Image: ITV)
Sherrie Hewson, who played the hotel manager Joyce Temple-Davage, hinted at the return during a podcast, saying: “Benidorm is coming back”. Sources close to the production revealed that while an official 11th series is yet to be commissioned, talks are progressively positive. They 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.” The programme’s axe came after a significant drop in viewers, with 4.3million tuning in for the 10th series opener – a 400,000 decline from the previous year.
ITV claimed the show had “run its course”, but the decision was met with disappointment by fans and cast alike. Creator Derren Litten famously slammed ITV’s decision while accepting the award, sarcastically praising the network for cancelling a show that had five million viewers.
As he picked up the gong, he said: “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.”
Despite the cancellation, Benidorm has found a new lease of life on ITVX, the network’s streaming platform, reaching a fresh generation of fans. In recent months, Derren Litten has been teases the possibility of a spin-off series, sparking further speculation about a return.
The ensemble cast, which also included stars like Sheridan Smith, Johnny Vega, and Hannah Waddingham, became famous for their eccentric antics and memorable characters. Benidorm also attracted star-studded cameos from celebrities such as Cilla Black and Joan Collins.
