Private audience in Mayors office |
It was here that Derren revealed that there would indeed be a 6th series - although officially it is suppose to come from ITV, he said he´d risk getting the sack! He presented a DVD box set of all the Benidorm Series as a gift for the Mayor... and in response he joked that watching it will help with his English - oh dear, I hope that he doesn´t listen too intently to swinger Donald´s lines!
We left in convoy at 11.45am, heading to the Tourist Information office next to Morgan´s Tavern and as we approached I was absolutely stunned at the turnout. Holiday makers were there in the hundreds, along with a gaggle of press journalists and local television stations.
Waiting crowd, some of which had been there for an hour! |
The Mayor, Gema, British Consul and Derren then stepped over to the covered plaque where the red velvet curtain was removed.
Paul Rodwell with Gema Amor behind |
Derren giving his thank you speech |
He gave a short speech thanking the Mayor for this acknowledgment and told everyone how he has fallen in love with the town, saying that when he wrote the very first episode he had never actually been to Benidorm. Think how different things could have turned out had he called the series Mykonos - doesn´t quite have the same ring to it does it!
He then delighted the crowds by revealing the news that yes there would be a 6th series and filming would begin in March 2013.
Derren ended his speech in Spanish... much to everyones admiration.
Last but certainly not least was the Mayor himself, Agustin Navarro. He was very sincere with his praise to Derren and delighted that there will be a 6th series. He expressed his gratitude to all of the British people that chose Benidorm as their holiday destination and hopes that they will continue to do so. Yolanda translated the Mayors speech into English for the crowds but he did promise that he will learn the language and hopes to give his next speech in English! I was very touched that he thanked and mentioned me by name, saying that it was my idea that got us here today.
There was then a scrum for a photo opportunity underneath the plaque with Derren and dignitaries from the Town Hall, followed afterwards with the cast members - even I had one done with the boys!
We then all headed to Morgans Tavern, aka Neptunes Bar for some tapas and refreshments to round off the ceremony.
So if you want all the info on series 6 then carry on reading. I will be updating you all on future progress and interviewing more cast once filming commences in March... remember, didn´t I hint that there may have been an announcement made today!