Crowds always followed when on location

So the much anticipated date has at last been released by ITV - Thursday 2nd January! That is the date when Benidorm 6 will hit our screens and for the millions of fans, can´t come a day too soon! It seems an age ago since the cast and crew arrived here - the first date of filming was 25th March and they didn´t wrap until the end of June.

Is that Madge´s scooter with Michael and new boy Tiger?

Derren Litten wrote all the episodes in this new series but has had two different directors - returning favourite, the BAFTA winning Sandy Johnson and new to the Benidorm scene, David Sant. The Benidorm stalwarts return, with the matriarch Madge still whizzing about in her mobility scooter. But this new series sees the arrival of a new family, The Dykes who have 2 children, Bianca and Tiger in tow - wonder how that will pan out!

Sandy Johnson and Joan Collins

Whenever the cast and crew were out on location, the crowds followed. You could easily identify where filming was taking place because no parking signs would have been left out, to enable the equipment and catering vans to park nearby. I think that the biggest crowd puller was when Hollywood Royalty, Joan Collins OBE came and filmed. The police were on hand to control the crowds and a vast portion of the road was closed off.

Actor Tony Maudsley

So many well known actors have had cameo parts over the years, but the 31st May 2013 will be a date that is well remembered by many. It is the date that half of Benidorm stood still to watch the biggest and most famous to appear until now  - and Derren Litten should be well chuffed and incredibly proud of that achievement.

Sherrie with salon owner Vikki

Local ex-pat residents love appearing as the extras and queue for hours when they hold the auditions. But any that do apply have to be legal and registered here. Often holiday makers hope to get in on the action, but unfortunately the nearest that they get is to watch from the sidelines. Between shoots many of the cast come out to speak with the crowds and have pictures taken with them, which is a real highlight for many and worth the sometimes hours of hanging around!

When the cast are here they obviously support the local economy by eating out, so it´s not unusual to find yourself seated next to one at one of the local restaurants. Many of the ladies use Hepburns Hair, Nail & Beauty salon in the Indoor Market to have their hair done, such as Sherrie Hewson (pictured) and Sheila Reid, who plays Madge.

With Mateo at the Solana reception

Actor Jake Canuso has been back in the resort since filming with his fantastic 2014 calendar - he was signing personal copies at the Flash Hotel throughout September and October. There was certainly no shortage of fans either, with queues forming well before his arrival. And it wasn´t just a quick signing and onto the next one, he spent time with each and every one, chatting and having a picture taken. He is very appreciative of all his fans and takes nothing for granted.

A temporary set - wonder who´s office this is?

The "Pink House" is used as the reception area of the Solana resort. In the first series the Ocas Hotel was used, but it caused so much disruption to the guests as you can imagine that for subsequent series it was moved. Obviously it is far easier for the crew as it is purpose built, but unfortunately can´t be seen by the fans. Many that pass by stop and take pictures of the outside though.

How it looks before it´s transformed

The garage in the basement is used to build sets and also where the cast, crew and extras eat when filming there. I have seen it transformed into various strange and wonderful sets - often making the mind boggle as to how the scene will be incorporated into the script! The attention to detail is simply amazing - especially considering that it may only be used for one very quick scene.... clever people those set designers.

Derren at presentation with popular cast members Tony & Jake

Series 7 has already been confirmed, which is great news for Benidorm. In a survey I am running 60% have said that watching the series has persuaded them to come here - Derren certainly deserved that award he received for his contribution to tourism from the Mayor.

Only 28 days till it hits our screens now.....