Benidorm will return for a fifth series with Derren Litten writing more episodes. The future of the award-winning ITV1 sitcom had been in doubt after Derren announced in February that he would not be writing any more episodes beyond series four. With Derren writing some of the episodes, other top comedy writers will get the chance to write storylines for his well-loved characters, such as Madge, Noreen, Mick and Janice. The fourth series, which ended last week, was the highest rated in its history, launching with over eight million viewers. It picked up the award for Best Comedy Programme at the National Television Awards earlier this year. A spokesperson for the show said: "We're pleased to announce that your favourite holidaymakers will return for a fifth series of Benidorm that will start filming later this year. And it's been reported that Joan Collins would quite like a part in Benidorm when it returns. Author Jackie Collins revealed her sister's interest in a Twitter message to Derren. She wrote: "Benidorm is totally fab. My sis Joan Collins would love to do a guest shot on it. I got her addicted!!!"
