Stars past and present reunite to celebrate 10 years of ITV’s sunny sitcom Benidorm including Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, Sheila Reid, plus the now grown-up Ollie Stokes and Hannah Hobley (aka the Garvey family)
Crack open the Cava because Benidorm is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and to mark the milestone, ITV is showing a special one-off documentary tonight at 9.00pm ahead of the new series.
As cast members past and present share their personal memories, fans won’t want to miss interviews with former stars Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, Sheila Reid, plus the now grown-up Ollie Stokes and Hannah Hobley (aka the Garvey family).
"We didn’t meet each other until we arrived in Benidorm," says Steve, who played dad Mick. "But all five of us were soon crying with laughter and we knew then that we had a really good family bond. From that point on, it was the most joyous job."
Sheila, who played chain-smoking granny Madge, also recalls getting to grips with her trusty mobility scooter.
"I couldn’t drive the thing straight!" she laughs. "I was bashing into doors and furniture and breaking everything, so I had to have lessons."
Creator Derren Litten also takes us on a mobility-scooter tour of the show’s real-life locations and reveals how it all began back in 2007 when he stumbled upon what would become the Solana’s famous poolside bar.
"When we first came to Benidorm to try to find where we could film the series, I saw the pool bar at the Sol Pelicanos Hotel and I knew that was it," says Derren. "I could just imagine the characters there, and they’re still there 10 years on."
Along with hilarious out-takes, there’s also a glimpse behind the scenes of the upcoming 10th series – watch out for guest stars Hale and Pace – as long-serving stars including Sherrie Hewson (Joyce), Jake Canuso who's chatted to us about the new series (Mateo) and Tim Healy (Lesley) discuss Benidorm’s enduring success.
"The fans are our bread and butter," says Tim. ‘Without them, there wouldn’t even be a show."
Benidorm Ten Years On Holiday is on ITV tonight at 9.00pm.
