The cast of Benidorm: every actor and character

Steve Pemberton

as Mick Garvey

Series 1–6 (2007–2014)

Who played Mick Garvey in Benidorm?

Mick Garvey, the put-upon Manchester dad at the head of the Garvey family, was played by Steve Pemberton from the first episode in February 2007 until the end of series 6 in 2014. Mick's entire ambition each year was a quiet all-inclusive week by the pool — an ambition destroyed within minutes of arrival by his mother-in-law Madge, his children and the Solana itself.

Across six series Mick weathered Madge's scooter, Michael's deadpan sabotage, Chantelle's romance with The Oracle and Janice's steadily shortening fuse. The Garveys were written out at the start of series 7 when a Las Vegas inheritance storyline shipped the whole family off screen.

Also known for: The League of Gentlemen, Inside No. 9, Happy Valley, Whitechapel.

Behind the scenes: Pemberton is a writer as well as a performer and co-wrote three episodes of series 5; he and on-screen wife Siobhan Finneran chose to leave the show together.

Siobhan Finneran

as Janice Garvey

Series 1–6 (2007–2014)

Who played Janice Garvey in Benidorm?

Janice Garvey — Mick's wife, Madge's daughter and the closest thing the Solana had to a voice of reason — was played by Siobhan Finneran across the first six series (2007–2014).

Janice spent every holiday refereeing between her mother's outrageousness and her husband's despair, while quietly matching both for sarcasm. Her exit alongside Pemberton in 2014 marked the end of the show's original family and pushed Benidorm towards staff- and Dawson-led storylines.

Also known for: Downton Abbey (O'Brien), Happy Valley (Clare Cartwright), Rita Sue and Bob Too, Time.

Behind the scenes: Finneran and Pemberton had already worked together before Benidorm, and their off-screen shorthand shaped Mick and Janice's bickering double act.

Sheila Reid

as Madge Harvey

Series 1–7, guest in series 8 (2007–2016)

Who played Madge in Benidorm?

Madge Harvey — mobility scooter, cigarette, leopard print and an unshakeable claim on the best sunbed — was played by Scottish actress Sheila Reid from series 1 in 2007 through to series 7, with a final one-off guest appearance in series 8 (2016).

Madge became the show's breakout character almost immediately: sunbed warfare, a millionaire husband in Mel Harvey, widowhood, and a running feud with anyone who looked at her poolside territory. When the Garveys left, Madge stayed on for series 7 before Reid bowed out.

Also known for: Brazil, Doctor Who, Casualty, The Winter's Tale — Reid is a classically trained stage actress with an RSC and National Theatre background.

Behind the scenes: Reid was in her seventies throughout filming and has said the scooter, not the sunbathing, was the hardest part of the role to master.

Oliver Stokes

as Michael Garvey

Series 1–6 (2007–2014)

Who played Michael Garvey in Benidorm?

Michael Garvey, the Garveys' deadpan youngest, was played by Oliver Stokes, who was cast at eight years old and grew up on screen across six series and seven years of filming.

Michael's role evolved from wisecracking child observer to teenager quietly appalled by the adults around him — one of the few characters in the Solana with any sense of proportion.

Also known for: Benidorm was Stokes's breakout role; he later appeared in short films and stage work.

Behind the scenes: Because filming ran annually in Spain, Stokes visibly ages a decade on screen — one of the show's few pieces of accidental realism.

Hannah Hobley

as Chantelle Garvey

Series 1–3 (2007–2009)

Who played Chantelle Garvey in Benidorm?

Chantelle Garvey, the Garveys' teenage daughter, was played by Hannah Hobley in the first three series (2007–2009).

Chantelle's unlikely, much-discussed romance with Geoff 'The Oracle' Maltby — and their baby storyline — drove much of the early show's plotting, and gave Mick and Janice their most reliable source of horror.

Behind the scenes: Hobley left after series 3, saying the Chantelle and Oracle storyline had reached its natural conclusion; the character was subsequently referred to but never recast.

Johnny Vegas

as Geoff 'The Oracle' Maltby

Series 1–3, 7–9 (2007–2017)

Who played The Oracle in Benidorm?

Geoff Maltby — self-appointed pub-quiz genius, holiday know-all and the man who insisted everyone call him 'The Oracle' — was played by comedian Johnny Vegas in series 1–3 and again in series 7–9.

The Oracle arrived every year with his mother Noreen, an encyclopaedic knowledge of trivia and no self-awareness whatsoever. His courtship of Chantelle Garvey defined the early series; on his return in series 7 he was recast as an older, sadder and even funnier fixture of the Solana bar.

Also known for: Ideal, Still Open All Hours, Home from Home, Murder They Hope and a long stand-up career.

Behind the scenes: Vegas was written out ahead of series 4 to make room for new characters, then brought back by Derren Litten three series later after sustained viewer demand.

Elsie Kelly

as Noreen Maltby

Series 1–5, 7–10 (2007–2018)

Who played Noreen in Benidorm?

Noreen Maltby, The Oracle's gin-fond, endlessly patient mother, was played by Elsie Kelly — one of only a handful of performers to appear in both the first series in 2007 and the final series in 2018.

Noreen's storylines ranged from holiday romances with Brian Murphy's Clive Mitchell to keeping her son upright at the bar. In the later years she became part of the Solana's permanent furniture rather than a returning guest.

Also known for: Brookside, Peak Practice, The Bill.

Janine Duvitski

as Jacqueline Stewart

Series 1–10 (2007–2018)

Who played Jacqueline the swinger in Benidorm?

Jacqueline Stewart, one half of the Solana's famous swinging couple, was played by Janine Duvitski in all ten series from 2007 to 2018 — making her, alongside Jake Canuso, the show's most enduring presence.

Jacqueline and husband Donald spent a decade cheerfully propositioning fellow guests. After Donald's off-screen departure she was paired with Alan David's Glynn Flint, and remained the Solana's most disarmingly frank resident to the last episode.

Also known for: One Foot in the Grave (Pippa Trench), Waiting for God, Friday Night Dinner (Auntie Val).

Behind the scenes: Duvitski has said the swinging material worked because it was played completely straight — Jacqueline never thought she was doing anything unusual.

Kenny Ireland

as Donald Stewart

Series 1–6 (2007–2014)

Who played Donald in Benidorm and what happened to him?

Donald Stewart, Jacqueline's deadpan, permanently horizontal husband, was played by Scottish actor and director Kenny Ireland from series 1 to series 6.

Donald was written out during series 7 with an off-screen story that had him run away to France with Rhiannon Flint, freeing Jacqueline to be paired with Glynn.

Also known for: Extensive stage work, including a decade as artistic director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

Behind the scenes: Ireland withdrew from filming series 7 after a cancer diagnosis and died in July 2014; the show acknowledged his loss with a dedication.

Nicholas Burns

as Martin Weedon

Series 1–3, guest in series 6 (2007–2014)

Who played Martin Weedon in Benidorm?

Martin Weedon, the middle-class guest horrified to discover his family had booked an all-inclusive, was played by Nicholas Burns in the first three series, returning for a series 6 guest appearance on a stag do.

Martin's arc took him from snobbish disdain to full immersion in Solana life — including a relationship with Sheridan Smith's Brandy that ended in a con.

Also known for: Nathan Barley, Grantchester, Vicious, Nurse Jackie.

Abigail Cruttenden

as Kate Weedon

Series 1–3 (2007–2009)

Who played Kate Weedon in Benidorm?

Kate Weedon, Martin's wife and the other half of the Weedons' relentlessly disappointing package holiday, was played by Abigail Cruttenden across series 1–3.

Also known for: Sharpe, Foyle's War, Hearts and Bones, Doctor Who.

Hugh Sachs

as Gavin Ramsbottom

Series 1–8 (2007–2016)

Who played Gavin in Benidorm?

Gavin Ramsbottom, the Derbyshire hairdresser with a low tolerance for nonsense and a high tolerance for cocktails, was played by Hugh Sachs from series 1 to series 8.

Gavin originally holidayed with partner Troy, then found himself lumbered with Kenneth Du Beke as a travelling companion — a pairing that became one of the show's best double acts and eventually took over the Blow 'n' Go salon.

Also known for: Bad Girls, Stella, Doctors, and extensive West End musical theatre.

Paul Bazely

as Troy Ganatra

Series 1–4, 8–9 (2007–2017)

Who played Troy in Benidorm?

Troy Ganatra, Gavin's partner, was played by Paul Bazely in series 1–4 and again in series 8–9, returning as a majority shareholder in the Blow 'n' Go salon.

Also known for: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Grantchester, Sanditon.

Behind the scenes: Bazely missed most of series 4 while filming Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which is why Kenneth Du Beke was written in as Gavin's holiday companion — an accident of scheduling that produced one of the show's most popular characters.

Geoffrey Hutchings

as Mel Harvey

Series 2–3 (2008–2009)

Who played Mel, Madge's husband, in Benidorm?

Millionaire Mel Harvey, who wooed and married Madge, was played by veteran character actor Geoffrey Hutchings in series 2 and 3.

Mel's fortune, his wedding to Madge and his unexpected death reshaped Madge's later storylines — she spent much of the following series as a wealthy widow.

Behind the scenes: Hutchings died suddenly in July 2010; the 2010 Christmas special was rewritten so that Mel died off screen, and the episode carried a tribute.

Tim Healy

as Les / Lesley Conroy

Series 3–10 (2009–2018)

Who played Les/Lesley in Benidorm?

Les Conroy — better known in later series as Lesley, the Solana's cross-dressing bar owner — was played by Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Tim Healy from series 3 in 2009 through to the finale in 2018.

Les was originally written as a one-off blind date for The Oracle. The character was so popular he became a regular, took over Neptune's bar, and gained a son in Adam Gillen's Liam Conroy.

Also known for: Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Still Open All Hours, Byker Grove, Boys from the Blackstuff.

Behind the scenes: Healy fell ill during production of series 9 and was written out of the second half of that run; Simon Greenall's Neville covered the bar in his absence.

Selina Griffiths

as Pauline Maltby

Series 4, 8 (2011–2016)

Who played Pauline Maltby in Benidorm?

Pauline Maltby, Noreen's daughter and The Oracle's sister, was played by Selina Griffiths in series 4 and again in series 8.

A recovering alcoholic, Pauline took her brother's place on the annual holiday during Johnny Vegas's absence, giving Noreen a very different travelling companion.

Also known for: Benidorm, Doc Martin, The Archers.

Kathryn Drysdale

as Natalie Jones

Series 4 (2011)

Who played Natalie in Benidorm?

Natalie Jones, Sam Wood's holiday friend, was played by Kathryn Drysdale for series 4 in 2011.

Also known for: Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Bridgerton (Madame Delacroix), The Bubble.

Michelle Butterly

as Trudy

Series 5–6 (2012–2014)

Who played Trudy in Benidorm?

Trudy, the combustible holiday companion introduced after Sam Wood's departure, was played by Michelle Butterly in series 5 and 6.

Trudy's short fuse and readiness to settle disputes physically made her the Solana's least advisable person to queue behind at the buffet.

Also known for: Brookside, Moving On, Coronation Street.

Alan David

as Glynn Flint

Series 7–10 (2015–2018)

Who played Glynn in Benidorm?

Glynn Flint, Jacqueline's reluctant new companion after Donald's departure, was played by Welsh actor Alan David from series 7 to the finale.

Glynn's wife Rhiannon had run off with Donald, throwing the two abandoned spouses together — a pairing written specifically to cover Kenny Ireland's absence and keep Jacqueline central.

Also known for: Gavin & Stacey, Doctor Who, Lewis.

Jake Canuso

as Mateo Castellanos

Series 1–10 (2007–2018)

Who played Mateo in Benidorm?

Mateo Castellanos, the Solana's relentlessly flirtatious Spanish barman, was played by Jake Canuso in every series of Benidorm from 2007 to 2018. Canuso was born in Switzerland to Italian and Spanish parents and worked as a professional dancer before turning to acting — which is why Mateo moves the way he does behind the bar.

Mateo propositioned virtually every female guest to pass through reception across ten years, was repeatedly caught, and never once changed his approach. He also functioned as the show's constant: whoever else came and went, Mateo was still pouring drinks.

Also known for: Benidorm, the Benidorm Live stage tour, Dancing on Ice.

Behind the scenes: Canuso is the only performer to appear in all 74 episodes plus the specials, and he reprised Mateo on stage in the nationwide Benidorm Live tour.

Crissy Rock

as Janey Yorke

Series 1–4, guest in series 5 & 7 (2007–2015)

Who played Janey York, the first Solana manager?

Janey Yorke, the Solana's original manageress, was played by Liverpudlian comedian and actress Crissy Rock from series 1 to series 4, with guest returns in series 5 and 7.

Janey ran the hotel with a cigarette, a clipboard and no illusions. She was written out to make way for the change-of-management storyline that brought in Sherrie Hewson's Joyce Temple-Savage.

Also known for: Ladybird Ladybird (for which she won Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival), I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Sherrie Hewson

as Joyce Temple-Savage

Series 5–10 (2012–2018)

Who played Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm?

Joyce Temple-Savage, the Solana's status-obsessed, gin-steadied manageress, was played by Sherrie Hewson from series 5 in 2012 until the final episode in 2018.

Joyce arrived to 'raise standards' and spent six series failing to, while managing her staff, her boss Crystal Hennessy-Vass and a running flirtation with Mateo. Her casting was the moment the show's centre of gravity moved from guests to staff.

Also known for: Coronation Street (Maureen Naylor), Emmerdale, Loose Women, Russ Abbot's Madhouse.

Tony Maudsley

as Kenneth Du Beke

Series 4–10 (2011–2018)

Who played Kenneth the hairdresser in Benidorm?

Kenneth Du Beke, the flamboyant hairdresser who ran the Blow 'n' Go salon, was played by Tony Maudsley from series 4 in 2011 through to the 2018 finale.

Kenneth arrived as Gavin's stand-in holiday companion and stayed to become one of the show's leads, dispensing terrible advice, worse haircuts and genuine loyalty in equal measure alongside apprentice Liam.

Also known for: Vera Drake, Corpse Bride, Emmerdale, Sanditon.

Behind the scenes: Maudsley originally auditioned for the role of Mick Garvey in 2006 — five years before joining the show as an entirely different character.

Adam Gillen

as Liam Conroy

Series 4–10 (2011–2018)

Who played Liam in Benidorm?

Liam Conroy, the Solana's accident-prone maintenance man turned salon apprentice, was played by Adam Gillen from series 4 to series 10. Liam is the son of Tim Healy's character Les/Lesley Conroy.

Liam arrived as a guest and stayed as staff, forming a surrogate father-son bond with Kenneth in the salon and anchoring the show's shift towards staff-led storytelling.

Also known for: Amadeus at the National Theatre (Mozart), Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, Bad Education.

Shelley Longworth

as Sam Wood

Series 4–5, 9–10 (2011–2018)

Who played Sam in Benidorm?

Sam Wood was played by Shelley Longworth, first as a holidaymaker in series 4–5 and then, after a break, as the Solana's holiday rep in series 9–10.

Also known for: Sadie J, Casualty, Cuckoo.

Behind the scenes: Longworth left to focus on motherhood and was written back in several years later in a re-conceived staff role rather than as a returning guest.

Jessica Ellerby

as Amber Platt

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Amber in Benidorm?

Amber Platt, the Solana bar staffer introduced in series 8, was played by Jessica Ellerby through to the show's final episode.

Amber served as the level-headed counterweight to the chaos around the bar, and a rare Solana employee who appeared to do her job.

Also known for: Ted Lasso, Zapped, Doctors.

Simon Greenall

as Neville

Series 9 (2017)

Who played Neville in Benidorm?

Neville, the barman brought in to keep Neptune's running during the second half of series 9, was played by Simon Greenall.

Also known for: I'm Alan Partridge (Michael the Geordie), Shaun the Sheep, Two Pints of Lager.

Behind the scenes: The character existed largely to cover Tim Healy's illness mid-series without closing the bar set.

Asa Elliott

as Himself — Neptune's resident singer

Recurring (2011–2018)

Who is the singer in Benidorm?

The resident singer at Neptune's is Asa Elliott, a real Benidorm cabaret performer playing a fictionalised version of himself.

Behind the scenes: Elliott was working the Benidorm bar circuit when he was cast, and still performs on the strip — one of the show's most direct overlaps with the real resort.

Joan Collins

as Crystal Hennessy-Vass

Series 6–7 (2014–2015)

Was Joan Collins in Benidorm?

Yes — Dame Joan Collins joined for series 6 and 7 as Crystal Hennessy-Vass, the glacial CEO of the Solana hotel group and Joyce Temple-Savage's terrifying boss.

Crystal swept in to inspect the resort, humiliate Joyce and remind everyone of the gulf between head office and the poolside reality.

Also known for: Dynasty (Alexis Colby), The Stud, American Horror Story.

Steve Edge

as Billy Dawson

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Billy Dawson in Benidorm?

Billy Dawson, head of the family who effectively replaced the Garveys as the show's central holidaymakers, was played by Steve Edge from series 8 to the finale.

The Dawsons — Billy, Sheron, Rob, Jodie and granddad Eddie — gave the last three series their family anchor, with Billy cast in the Mick Garvey mould of a man whose holiday is never his own.

Also known for: Phoenix Nights, Starlings, Man Down, Trollied.

Julie Graham

as Sheron Dawson

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Sheron in Benidorm?

Sheron Dawson, Billy's wife and the family's straight-talking anchor, was played by Scottish actress Julie Graham across the final three series.

Also known for: Survivors, At Home with the Braithwaites, Shetland, Queens of Mystery.

Josh Bolt

as Rob Dawson

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Rob Dawson in Benidorm?

Rob Dawson, the Dawsons' son, was played by Josh Bolt from series 8 to series 10, with his romance with Cyd forming his storyline in the final run.

Also known for: Last Tango in Halifax, The Fades, Peterloo.

Honor Kneafsey

as Jodie Dawson

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Jodie Dawson in Benidorm?

Jodie Dawson, the family's sharp-eyed daughter, was played by Honor Kneafsey in the show's last three series.

Also known for: The Christmas Chronicles, Wolfblood, The Secret Garden.

Bobby Knutt

as Eddie Dawson

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played granddad Eddie in Benidorm?

Eddie Dawson, the family's granddad, was played by Yorkshire comedian Bobby Knutt from series 8 until the final series.

Also known for: Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Brookside and decades on the northern club circuit.

Behind the scenes: Knutt died in September 2017, shortly after completing filming on series 10; the opening episode of that series was dedicated to his memory.

Perry Benson

as Clive Dyke

Series 6–7 (2014–2015)

Who played Clive Dyke in Benidorm?

Clive Dyke, patriarch of the loud, cash-flush Watford family introduced in series 6, was played by Perry Benson.

The Dykes were written in specifically to feud with the Garveys, and stayed on after the Garveys left, with son Tiger carrying the family through to series 9.

Also known for: This Is England, Somers Town, Vera Drake.

Danny Walters

as Tiger Dyke

Series 6–9 (2014–2017)

Who played Tiger in Benidorm?

Tiger Dyke, the family's permanently scheming teenager, was played by Danny Walters for four series between 2014 and 2017.

Also known for: EastEnders (Keanu Taylor), Cuffs.

Behind the scenes: Walters left Benidorm for EastEnders, where Keanu Taylor became one of the soap's biggest storylines of the era.

Hannah Waddingham

as Tonya Dyke

Series 6 (2014)

Was Hannah Waddingham in Benidorm?

She was — long before Ted Lasso and her Emmy, Hannah Waddingham spent series 6 as Clive Dyke's trophy wife Tonya.

Also known for: Ted Lasso (Rebecca Welton), Game of Thrones (Septa Unella), Sex Education, and a major West End musical career.

Bel Powley

as Bianca Dyke

Series 6 (2014)

Was Bel Powley in Benidorm?

Yes — Bel Powley played Dyke daughter Bianca for a single series in 2014, shortly before her international breakout.

Also known for: The Diary of a Teenage Girl, A Small Light, M.I. High.

Charlotte Eaton

as Terri Dawson

Series 7 (2015)

Who played Terri in Benidorm?

Terri, Clive's sister and Tiger's aunt, was played by Charlotte Eaton, joining the family holiday for series 7.

Also known for: Peaky Blinders, Doctors, Casualty.

Nathan Bryon

as Joey Ellis

Series 8–10 (2016–2018)

Who played Joey in Benidorm?

Joey Ellis, Tiger's mate and later Callum's holiday companion, was played by Nathan Bryon from series 8 to the finale.

Also known for: Some Girls, Bad Education, and as the author of the Look Up! children's books.

Julian Moore-Cook

as Callum

Series 10 (2018)

Who played Callum in Benidorm?

Callum, Joey's new holiday companion after Tiger's exit, was played by Julian Moore-Cook in the tenth and final series.

Also known for: Cursed, Domina.

Laila Zaidi

as Cyd

Series 10 (2018)

Who played Cyd in Benidorm?

Cyd, Rob Dawson's girlfriend in the show's final run, was played by Laila Zaidi in series 10.

Also known for: West End musical theatre, including Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages.

Sheridan Smith

as Brandy

Series 3 (2009)

Was Sheridan Smith in Benidorm?

Yes — Sheridan Smith played loud, fast-talking Scouser Brandy in series 3, introduced as a love interest for Martin Weedon before the storyline turned into a con with Robin Askwith's Gary Snelling.

Also known for: Gavin & Stacey, Cilla, Two Pints of Lager, Mrs Biggs.

Behind the scenes: Emily Atack was reportedly on standby for the role before Smith was cast.

Shane Richie

as Sammy Valentino

Series 8, 10 (2016–2018)

Was Shane Richie in Benidorm?

Shane Richie guested as showbiz chancer and self-styled entertainment mogul Sammy Valentino in series 8, then returned as a supporting regular for the final series.

Also known for: EastEnders (Alfie Moon), Minder, The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin.

Wendy Richard

as Sylvia

Series 2 (2008)

Was Wendy Richard in Benidorm?

EastEnders and Are You Being Served? legend Wendy Richard appeared in series 2 as Sylvia, a wheelchair-using love rival who took on Madge for Mel Harvey's attention.

Behind the scenes: It was one of Richard's final television roles; she died in February 2009.

Una Stubbs

as Diana Weedon

Series 3 (2009)

Was Una Stubbs in Benidorm?

Una Stubbs appeared in the series 3 finale as Diana Weedon, Martin's formidable and deeply unimpressed mother.

Also known for: Till Death Us Do Part, Worzel Gummidge, Sherlock (Mrs Hudson).

Robin Askwith

as Gary Snelling

Series 3 (2009)

Who played Gary Snelling in Benidorm?

Confessions film star Robin Askwith played conman Gary Snelling in series 3, ultimately revealed as Brandy's partner in crime.

Also known for: Confessions of a Window Cleaner, Bottom, Coronation Street.

Leslie Jordan

as Buck A. Roo

Series 7 (2015)

Who told the Garveys they had inherited money in Benidorm?

American actor Leslie Jordan guest starred in series 7 as attorney Buck A. Roo, who arrived to tell the Garveys they had inherited $30 million — the device that wrote the family out of the show and off to Las Vegas.

Also known for: Will & Grace (Beverley Leslie), American Horror Story, Call Me Kat.

Ruth Madoc

as Rhiannon Flint

Series 7 (2015)

Was Ruth Madoc in Benidorm?

Hi-de-Hi! star Ruth Madoc appeared in series 7 as Rhiannon Flint, Glynn's wife — the woman who had run off to France with Donald Stewart.

Also known for: Hi-de-Hi! (Gladys Pugh), Little Britain, Under Milk Wood.

Matthew Kelly

as Cyril Babcock

Series 5–6 (2012–2014)

Who played Cyril Babcock in Benidorm?

Matthew Kelly recurred across series 5 and 6 as Cyril Babcock, one of the show's more unsettling returning guests.

Also known for: Stars in Their Eyes, You Bet!, Cold Feet, and Olivier-winning stage work.

Brian Murphy

as Clive Mitchell

Christmas special (2010)

Who played Noreen's love interest in Benidorm?

George and Mildred star Brian Murphy played Clive Mitchell, a potential romance for Noreen Maltby, in the 2010 Christmas special.

Also known for: Man About the House, George and Mildred, Last of the Summer Wine.

Louie Spence

as Marvin

Christmas special (2010)

Was Louie Spence in Benidorm?

Louie Spence appeared in the 2010 Christmas special as Marvin, a swinging friend of Donald and Jacqueline.

Also known for: Pineapple Dance Studios, Dancing on Ice.

Su Pollard

as Herself

Christmas special (2010)

Was Su Pollard in Benidorm?

Su Pollard appeared as a fictionalised version of herself, performing at Benidorm Palace in the 2010 Christmas special — a nod to the real cabaret circuit the show drew on.

Also known for: Hi-de-Hi! (Peggy Ollerenshaw), You Rang M'Lord?, Oh Doctor Beeching!

Cilla Black

as Herself

Series 4 (2011)

Was Cilla Black in Benidorm?

Yes — Cilla Black made a memorable guest appearance as herself during series 4 in 2011, in one of her last major television roles before her death in 2015.

Also known for: Blind Date, Surprise Surprise, and a career-defining 1960s pop run.

Margi Clarke

as Dorothy

Series 2 (2008)

Who played Gavin's mother in Benidorm?

Margi Clarke played Dorothy, Gavin Ramsbottom's estranged mother, in series 2.

Also known for: Letter to Brezhnev, Coronation Street (Jackie Dobbs).

Rustie Lee

as Queenie

Series 6 (2014)

Was Rustie Lee in Benidorm?

TV chef and personality Rustie Lee appeared in series 6 as Queenie, a friend of Donald and Jacqueline.

Also known for: TV-am, Celebrity Fit Club, Doctors.