Benidorm gets second series

ITV1 bosses have recommissioned the show, in which Vegas plays a pub quiz champion, after it secured audiences of around four million.

Such ratings were not brilliant for its 10pm Thursday slot, and the programme received a drubbing from some critics, but the recommission is seen as a way for ITV to reclaim some reputation for comedy.

ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, Paul Jackson, said: ‘The decision was made to recommission the sitcom after the fourth episode as it became apparent that the series maintained healthy ratings against some tough competition.

‘I am thrilled; we had such a great cast involved and the writer Derren Litten is one of the finest comedy talents I've come across in years.’

Benidorm is the first primetime sitcom ordered by Jackson since he returned to the broadcaster a year ago.

He has also renewed Saturday-night sci-fi series Primeval and, as previously revealed, Al Murray’s Happy Hour.

Published: 2 Mar 2007