Tag: Benidorm

All the latest breaking news on Benidorm. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Benidorm.

  • Benidorm will be back for 8th series

    ITV’s award winning comedy Benidorm has been re-commissioned for an eighth series and will film on location in Spain later this year.

    Series 7 which is currently airing on ITV has featured the welcome return of Johnny Vegas and Elsie Kelly as The Oracle (aka Geoff Maltby) and Noreen Maltby. The series has also seen the return of Solana Group CEO Crystal Hennessy-Vass played by Dame Joan Collins.

    The show’s creator Derren Litten will pen all 7 episodes of the new series, which will introduce a brand new family to the Solana.

    Elaine Bedell, ITV’s Director of Comedy & Entertainment says “Benidorm continues its enduring appeal with ITV viewers, and we look forward to discovering what creator Derren Litten has in store for the new holiday season at the Solana resort”.

    Saskia Schuster, ITV’s Comedy Commissioner says “We are absolutely thrilled our audience continues to enjoy the antics of the Solana staff and its holidaymakers. The new series of Benidorm will be introducing a brand new family to our viewers”.

    Derren Litten, Pete Thornton and Sophie Clarke Jervoise will serve as Executive Producers for the new series.

  • INTERVIEW | Tim Healy On Playing Lesley In Benidorm

    INTERVIEW | Tim Healy On Playing Lesley In Benidorm

    Les/Lesley first came across the Solana Resort and its holidaymakers when he/she went on a blind date with The Oracle. Soon afterwards a job beckoned working behind the Solana hotel pool bar and Les/Lesley was soon joined by his son Liam (played by Adam Gillen).

    (more…)

  • 13 Reasons Why You Need To See Benidorm With Philip Olivier

    13 Reasons Why You Need To See Benidorm With Philip Olivier

    It seems as though the producers of Benidorm decided that a very homoerotic tryst between Philip Olivier and Jake Canuso was the way forward for the popular ITV series and to be honest we totally agree.

    Well hello Philip Olivier and Jake Canuso

    ••• below might not be the actual storyline, but what happened in our warped minds***

    It all starts with a little ‘get out of my face’ and a little

    © ITV

    Checking out of the talent

    © ITV

    Which turns into ‘let’s get you out of the nineties tight white vest’ natch!

    © ITV

    and then there’s a bit of grabby grabby

    © ITV

    and flinging on the desk. whilst

    © ITV

    Joyce watches on


    © ITV

    A little sofa time

    © ITV

    Which goes down well. Obvs.

    © ITV

    Just a gratuitous topless shot

    © ITV

    and then this

    © ITV

    Then later behind the bar – they’re at it again

    © ITV

    Kenneth gets his groove on with it all

    © ITV

    And Lesley joins in

    © ITV

    This has made our year.
    Catch up on the ITV Player

  • TV: Benidorm Returns To ITV Tonight At 9pm

    Benidorm series 6 kicks off tonight on ITV1 at 9pm. The Solana hotel may have been upgraded to four-stars but has the cliental?

    Benidorm’s newly four-starred Solana is open for the Summer season, with manageress Joyce Temple-­Savage (Sherrie Hewson) proud of the all-inclusive services on offer. It’s a star-studded new series, too: Joan Collins, Matthew Kelly, Philip Olivier, Nicholas Burns, The Krankies & Rustie Lee are all making VIP guest appearances, and the Solana itself has some fantastic new guests in residence.

    Mick Garvey (Steve Pemberton) is currently stuck at the airport. He’s been detained by a customs officer who’s found something dodgy in Madge’s luggage, so Janice(Siobhan Finneran), Madge (Sheila Reid) and Michael(Ollie Stokes) go to the Solana without him. They’ve encountered a family from Watford who have also just arrived, but are already determined to leave. Clive andTonya Dyke (Perry Benson and Hannah Waddingham) were expecting a truly four star welcome for their holiday, but the state of the room ensures they have the first of their massive arguments, much to Madge’s amusement. Their 16 year old son Tiger (Danny Walters) soon spots Michael by the pool, and can tell that he’s the sort of fella who’ll make a useful partner in crime.

    Meanwhile Joyce is hoping that Donald (Kenny Ireland) and Jacqueline (Janine Duvitski) will forget that she offered them a free holiday this year, but they stage an eye-­catching protest, proving to the staff and guests that they’re as much a force to be reckoned with as ever.

    Mateo (Jake Canuso), Lesley (Tim Healy) & Liam(Adam Gillen) know that despite its four star status, life at the Solana is as unpredictable as ever, especially where the constantly partying Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) is concerned. Kenneth is worried about mysterious and intimidating messages he’s been getting, which threaten to ruin the grand reopening of Blow n’ Go. Liam, who’s now working with Kenneth at the salon, reckons it’s time for Kenneth to make a new start, and wants to do whatever he can to help. Lesley, on the other hand, is ambitious to become the Solana’s assistant manager, so is more than willing to go the distance when it comes to staff discipline.

    Mateo has problems all of his own – a new cocktail waiter is in town (Jason, played by Philip Olivier), who’s easy on the eye and far more motivated by work than Mateo will ever be. Mateo and Jason fight over Bianca Dyke (Bel Powney), who’s arrived at the hotel to be with her family. Liam swoons over her too, resulting in some hefty soul-­searching between him, Lesley and Kenneth over whether he is ever going to find the right ’girl’.

    Series 6 sees the welcome return of Martin Weedon (Nick Burns), who’s now single, and on the lookout for fun with a rowdy stag party. We welcome back Cyril Babcock (Matthew Kelly), too – and look forward to a grand finale in Episode 7, with VIP guests Rustie Lee, The Krankies and Joan Collins.

  • 5 Best Gay Scenes in Europe

    It’s totally fabulous to explore different gay scenes when travelling. You can dance the night away to some truly camp-tastic tunes, or cruise the darkrooms for Mr Right Now. Perhaps you want to enjoy feathers and frills at a drag queen cabaret show? We’ve looked at some of the best gay hotspots in Europe to suit everyone’s needs.

    Benidorm, Spain

    benidorm
    CREDIT: piquetsebtotal
    CC0 Public Domain / pixabay

    The Benidorm gay village can be found in the Old Town area of this popular Spanish holiday resort. The gay part of Benidorm’s Levante beach sits in front of the Don Cesar café, and is a great place to tan before a night out with your best pals. 7th Heaven has been a popular gay bar for years and has an excellent reputation for making tourists and locals feel welcome. This is a fab bar for an early drink, and the relaxed atmosphere is ideal for meeting new people. Cabaret lovers will enjoy a night at Mardi Gras, with top performances from Miss Stella Artois, plus an excellent Cher tribute act. Younger LGBT crowds can be found at the Mercury nightclub, which is famous for its pumping dance music and buzzing atmosphere. This club is for real party animals only, as the doors don’t even open until after midnight.

    Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria

    CREDIT: MonicaVolpin CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay
    CREDIT: MonicaVolpin
    CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay

    Make your way to the Yumbo Centre for all the gay action you’ll need; this place is like a shopping centre bursting with gay bars and nightclubs. Those of you who love drag queen acts will feel at home in Sparkles Show Bar. Enjoy hilarious cabaret shows and maybe some audience participation too if you’re lucky! Meanwhile, Coco Loco is great for the younger gays who want to dance and enjoy a cheeky flirt (in the hope of starting a holiday romance). There’s also a terrace to cool down on, if it all gets a little hot and sweaty inside. Babylon XL club is for those who really want to party ’til the sun rises. Enjoy laser shows, sexy male dancers and of course the obligatory darkrooms.

    The Algarve, Portugal

    CREDIT: Peter Etchells
    CREDIT: Peter Etchells

    LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs are scattered everywhere in this southern region. Boémio Disco is the oldest gay club in the Algarve and can be found next to the Ponte Velha Bridge in Portimão. Boémio Disco also offers free Wi-Fi, which is ideal if you want to log into Grindr as you dance and sip a cool drink. When you’re not dancing the night away, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal, the Praua da Rocha, and check out all the guys in their tight speedos. Another club in Portimão is Loft by Pride; which is considered by many to be the best gay club in the Algarve. Then there’s Fame Bar which can be found on the busiest street in Albufeira, a popular holiday resort within the Algarve region. Finally, if you fancy one last boogie before the flight home, check out Heaven Club near Faro airport.

    Amsterdam, Holland

    The most famous gay area is Reguliersdwarsstraat Street. So how about starting your evening in style here at the Amstel Fifty Four Club, one of the oldest gay bars in Amsterdam? You can join in with raucous groups singing along to the jukebox and belt out your favourite tunes. Afterwards, move onto Club NyX, which is one of the biggest gay discos in the city and promises you a wild evening. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the club is spread over three floors, each playing a different style of music. If you’re camper than Alan Carr and David Walliams put together then mince your way to the Exit Café next door. This small nightspot is decked out like a mountain ski bar and is full of young, cute Dutchman. So what are you waiting for? Squeeze into that tight t-shirt, spray on the glitter and say hi to the locals!

    Paris, France

    (c) TheGayUK
    (c) TheGayUK

    No list would be complete without a mention of the world’s most romantic city, Paris – a quick hop away from the UK, Paris is reachable by air, train and sea. A bustling gay scene and more romantic walks than you can shake a stick at. Plenty of gay bars await you in the Marais district in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. You’ll find lots of gay friendly bars and restaurants – and no one will bat a eye if you hold your lover’s hand in public – ah gay Paris!

    by Matthew Payne / Jake Hook

  • INTERVIEW: The (Drag) Queen Of Benidorm

    INTERVIEW: The (Drag) Queen Of Benidorm

    Wayne Wright is Benidorm’s longest serving British Drag Queen, better known as Miss Levi. I got the opportunity for a chinwag with Wayne about how Miss Levi was born, what she’s like, what she’s up to and her future. (more…)