IT’S hard to believe that Benidorm first burst onto screens nearly twenty years ago.
The sitcom about Brits abroad enjoying an all inclusive holiday was a huge hit and brought us the loveable Garvey family.
With talk of the show returning, two of Benidorm’s original cast, who were just kids when they appeared on the series, have reemerged into the spotlight.
Yesterday, fans were given a treat when Hannah Hobley and Oliver Stokes appeared on Loose Women.
They played Chantelle and Michael Garvey when the show hit TV screens in 2007.
Oliver, now 26, was just eight-years-old when the show launched.
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On Loose Women he spoke fondly of his time playing Michael on Benidorm.
The star explained how he would spend around three months at a time in Benidorm filming, with a tutor coming to do school work with him for up to five hours per day.
After the show ended he ditched the spotlight and has since become a dad.
Meanwhile, last week the show’s writer Derren Litten teased that the show may return from its 7 year hiatus.
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In a Facebook Live, he said: “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 Hewson 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.”
Earlier this month, 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.”
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The comedy aired on ITV for ten series from 2007, reaching an average audience of over 8 million viewers.
The show ended in 2018 as ratings steadily declined.
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.
