Filming at Terra Mitica - with me as an extra!

Benidorm - a bit like marmite. You either love it or hate it! Funnily enough, many that knock the resort have never actually been, so how they can make an informed opinion is beyond me. They probably read that beacon of truth - "The Sun" !

The same goes for the Benidorm series.... but viewing figures and a multitude of awards prove that it is a popular show and with five series already under his belt, Derren Litten should be a proud man.

Many people that have a negative impression of the resort, base their opinions solely on watching the series - which is a tongue in cheek poke at stereotypical working class people taking their annual holiday. They imagine the resort over run with drunken Brits and Stag & Hen parties. And yes that is true up to a point... but then which holiday resort is any different? Take a look at San Antonio, Aya Napa - or closer to home. Spend a few hours in any UK city on a Friday or Saturday night and you will witness hoards of drunken out of control youngsters literally comatosed due to the amount of drink consumed. 

The Benidorm series has reignited peoples interest in the resort and it is proved that every time a repeat is screened, booking go up. I can testify to that as my hits go up tremendously on any article or interview I have to do with the series or cast. So everyone is waiting with baited breath to hear whether there will in fact be a sixth series - especially the local businesses. Maybe we will find out on Friday when the Benidorm series creator and writer, Derren Litten receives his award from the town Mayor and British Consul.

At book signing with locals

When Derren published his book " The Benidorm Guide to a Happy Holiday" and had a book singing at Morgans Tavern last October, all 400 copies flew out.... he and cast members were there to sign books that had been purchased and have photos taken. The signing over ran by an hour... but everyone left happy.

Each series takes between 3-4 months to record on location and the cast stay here for the duration - taking odd weekend breaks back to the UK to visit family. It is not uncommon to be sitting next to one of the cast at a bar or restaurant in the area and when word gets out, that establishment is then inundated with customers hoping to get a glimpse if they make a return visit. The majority are more than happy to pose for photographs and sign autographs... but remember, they need a break too.

The queue at Terra Natura was made up of extras!

The locals also get excited, eager to be extras. At the last audition for the fifth series, which was held at the Melia hotel in Benidorm, they literally turned up in the hundreds at the crack of dawn. And its not just ex-pats that go, the local Spanish also attend hoping to be chosen. They need a lot as they do not want the same faces appearing in each episode, so if you have never been you stand a good chance! If you look at any scene, there are always people milling around, either at the bar, in the pool or in a queue - those are all extras.

Remember, Friday at 12 Noon is the grand presentation to Derren - lets all be there to show our support and appreciation....

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