Are you a fan of the Benidorm series? You are not alone. The popular British sitcom ran for 10 series – first aired in March 2007 and the last on May 2nd, 2018 before being axed by ITV. It attracted millions of viewers and won a number of National Television Awards over the years in the comedy category. 

Filming took place in the resort and attracted fans by the bucketload, all vying for a glimpse of their favourite actors. The Sol Pelicanos hotel was transformed into the fictitious all-inclusive Solana resort, with the poolside bar featured regularly. Many holidaymakers booked specifically when filming was taking place.

 

In the first series of filming, the reception scenes were filmed at the sister Ocas hotel then subsequently moved, to what is affectionately referred to as ´The Pink House´- next to the Iceland supermarket and almost opposite Benidorm Palace . The ´Go and Blow´ salon set was also located here and the large garage underneath stored many costumes and props.

Popular attractions also featured in various episodes such as Terra Natura, Aqualandia, Karting Finestrat, Algar waterfalls and The Cross, overlooking the resort. Morgans Tavern was transformed in Neptunes for the live nightly entertainment – which featured many of Benidorm´s popular acts and karaoke

The one character to appear in every episode was barman Mateo, played by actor Jake Canuso. Everyone had their favourites and cast wise there were some well known and much loved actors including Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran and Sheila Reid– the original Garvey family, Johnny Vegas, Sherrie Hewson, John Challis, Tim Healy, Tony Maudsley, Adam Gillen to name just a few.

 

There were also a number of guest appearances but the stand out has to be Hollywood legend Dame Joan Collins, cast as Crystal Hennessy-Vass, the CEO of the Solana hotel group with writer and creator Derren Litten casting himself as Elvis her driver.

Now the news is out that the organiser of the popular 3 day Elvis Fest Peter Phillips has collaborated with Derren to bring you “BeniCon” – a 3 day fan convention starting the day after the November British fancy dress day – Friday 18 to Sunday 20 November 2022. There will be lots do see and do – such as afternoon karaoke at ¨Neptunes¨ and a closing Sunday night gala at Benidorm Palace. There will be a number of cast members taking part including Jake Canuso (Mateo), Sheila Reid (Madge), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage) and Crissy Rock (Janey York).
Bookings can be done via the website www.benicon.com or in resort at the Round Town office.