According to Matthew Kelly who was on ITV's lunch time show "Loose Women" yesterday, the new series is starting on Friday 24th Febuary. Matthew had a cameo role and his episode will be on air the following week - 2nd March. Over the past 4 series, many celebs and stars have had cameo appearances such as Cilla Black, Sue Pollard, Wendy Richards and Denise Welch - who's husband Tim Healy is a regular cast member. Rumors were rife that Jackie Collins would appear but it never materialized. However, Kate O'Mara of "The Brothers" a BBC series of the 70's and more lately appearing in "Absolutely Fabulous"as Jackie, the long lost sister of Patsy (played by Joanna Lumley) DID make her debut in this latest series.
On location at poolside with director Sandy Johnson |
Scene being set up in the Old Town |
The pool at Sol Pelicanos hotel is the ficticious Solana resort and Morgans Tavern is Neptunes night club. The indoor hotel scenes are filmed at what the locals all call "the Pink house" - just past Benidorm Palace. Many holiday makers specifically want to stay at the Sol Pelicanos hotel and have photos taken at the same pool bar to show their friends back home... the staff are use to it after so many years.
Setting up lighting for pool side bar shoot with Mateo & Lesley |
They have also filmed at many of the towns tourist attractions such as Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Font's D'Algar and in the Christmas special featured Benidorm Palace.
Lets hope that they'll be back again next year for another series - it certainly increases trade for lots of local businesses which can only be a good thing in these economically dire times.