ITV orders seventh series

Johnny Vegas is to return to Benidorm, ITV has announced today.

The broadcaster has commissioned a seventh series, which includes a return of Vegas’s character The Oracle to the Spanish resort. He was last seen in the third series of the show, which aired in 2009.

Comedian Crissy Rock will also be back as Janey York after two series away, and Elsie Kelly as Noreen after one series away.

The recently completed sixth series averaged 6.8 million viewers across its run, up 2.8 million viewers on the slot average.

Benidorm creator Derren Litten will write all episodes of the new series, which goes into production this month.

It was commissioned by Elaine Bedell, ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, who said: ‘After another successful run on screen we’re thrilled that a new series is about to start shooting on location in Spain. We’re equally pleased that some familiar faces from the Solana’s past will be making a welcome return to the sunshine.’

Benidorm is produced by Lucy Armitage for Tiger Aspect; directed by Sandy Johnson and David Sant with Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, Ben Cavey and Derren Litten as executive producers.

Published: 21 Mar 2014