Fans of ITV’s popular sitcom “Benidorm” will be disappointed to hear that season 10 was the last in the long-running series. “Benidorm” has been running on ITV since 2007 and has been the cause of much laughter and hilarity.
As noted by the BBC, the series told the story of several British holidaymakers at a fictional hotel in the resort of the same name on the Costa Blanca in the Valencian community of Spain.
However, the news is not all bad, as Derren Litten, the show’s creator, tweeted to confirm the news and said that the story of “Benidorm” will continue as a stage play. The stage version will go on a UK tour, starting with Newcastle in September this year.
ITV cancels popular sitcom
Litten wrote, “Yes folks it’s true,” adding that months of speculation had led to the cancellation of the comedy show and that season 10 was the final season of "Benidorm." He then added that fans could see the continuation while on tour to find out what happens next in the story. He also gave a link to a website where fans can read about and book to see the show.
“Benidorm’s” future was first speculated about in April this year when Litten said that the final episode of season 10 was the last. He later went on to say that he was not sure if the series would return to ITV, saying a decision had not yet been made over its continuation.
‘Benidorm’ cast takes to Twitter
As also reported by Digital Spy, cast members were sad to hear the news, saying the cancellation had come as a surprise but did say they were happy to have been part of the show. Sherrie Hewson, who also stars in “Loose Women” was one of those who said how lucky she was to have been a part of “Benidorm” and inviting everyone to party with them.
Tony Maudsley thanked fans for their support and said that Thursday’s news had made it a very sad day for them all.
He tweeted to say he believed they would be in another season, but that ITV had taken them by surprise.
Other cast members include Tim Healy, Johnny Vegas, Sheridan Smith and Steve Pemberton. There was no mention of whether the original cast would appear in the upcoming stage show. “Benidorm” has been on the air for 11 years and has won several awards, including two TV Choice Awards, a recent TV Bafta nomination and six National Television Awards.
Fans want closure in a 'Carry On' style
Many fans on Twitter described the show as a “Carry On,” suggesting they could make a “Carry on Benidorm” movie to give everyone closure at the end of the much-loved and laughed at series.