Benidorm: 10 Years on Holiday

Benidorm, the long-running British sitcom created by Derren Litten, has captured the hearts of audiences for nearly a decade with its unique blend of humor, charm, and eccentric characters. As the show prepares to start its tenth series, ITV decided to celebrate a decade of the comedy by releasing a special programme, "Benidorm: 10 Years on Holiday." This behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the show is not only a tribute to its enduring popularity but also a fascinating glimpse into the making of a beloved television classic. The programme begins by focusing on the origins of Benidorm. Creator Derren Litten recounts how he conceived the idea of the show while on a family holiday in Benidorm, Spain. Litten's vision was to create a comedy that captured the essence of the traditional British seaside resort experience, complete with all its quirks and characteristics. As he explains in the programme, he wanted to poke fun at the notion of package holidays and the British expatriate community in Spain, while at the same time celebrating the warmth and camaraderie of his characters. One of the key elements that sets Benidorm apart from other sitcoms is its talented cast. The programme shines a light on the experiences of several cast members, each bringing their unique perspective to the show. Steve Pemberton, who plays the charismatic hotel owner Mick Garvey, reveals how he was introduced to the character by Litten. Pemberton explains how Litten's script was initially unlike anything he'd read before, but he was drawn in by the character's warmth and humor. Also featured in the programme is Jake Canuso, who portrays the show's lovable but slightly dim-witted hotel receptionist, Marco. Canuso shares stories of his time on set, highlighting the camaraderie between cast members and the importance of improvisation in creating the show's comedic magic. He also talks about the challenges of playing a character who's not always the brightest bulb in the box, but who consistently provides laughs with his good-natured innocence. Siobhan Finneran, who plays the show's resident drama queen, Janice Jenkins, also makes an appearance in the programme. Finneran discusses her experience of bringing the character to life and highlights the intricacies of playing a role that's both outrageous and relatable. She also talks about the influence of her real-life mother, a flamboyant and assertive woman, on Janice's portrayal. One of the other cast members, Oliver Stokes, who plays the show's newest addition, Oliver Golding, discusses his experience of joining the show in its ninth series. Stokes talks about the challenges of fitting into the existing cast dynamic and the benefits of learning from the show's experienced performers. He also reveals the creative process behind some of the show's more memorable moments. Throughout the programme, the cast members reminisce about some of the show's most memorable episodes, from the infamous "Ladette" episode to the more recent "Marco's Wedding Day" installment. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the making of the show and provide an insight into the characters that have captured the hearts of audiences. As the programme draws to a close, Derren Litten's enthusiasm for the show is palpable. He expresses gratitude for the cast's commitment to the series and acknowledges the love and support of the fans, who have made Benidorm a staple of British television comedy for nearly a decade. Litten's dedication to his creation is clear, and it's evident that his passion has been the driving force behind the show's enduring popularity. In conclusion, "Benidorm: 10 Years on Holiday" is a delightful behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a beloved television sit-com. The programme is a testament to the talent and creativity of the cast and crew, who have worked tirelessly to bring the show to life over nearly a decade. With its unique blend of humor and charm, Benidorm continues to captivate audiences, and this special programme is a delightful tribute to its enduring success.