Queuing to the front entrance!This morning there was a hum of excitement at the Melia Hotel in Benidorm. The "Mediterranea Audicion" agency, based in Alicante, were holding castings to recruit extra's for the upcoming 5th ITV comedy series "Benidorm". The casting time was from 10am but the first people in the queue- Sue Ellans and Peggy & Stan Crockett, arrived at 9am to ensure that they did not miss it!
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On Monday the turnout was fabulous at the Sol Pelicanos Hotel - the fictious Solana Resort from the hit ITV comedy "Benidorm". The Thomson reps did a great job to ensure a large turnout of holiday makers - perhaps the promise of a pool side breakfast was too good an opportunity to miss. I bet many had been up half the night producing their "Hello banners" to wave ...
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Monday morning was the first live broadcast from Benidorm's Levante beach. Although it was an early start - in fact it was still dark when we arrived at 6.30am there was a great turnout. Amongst the crowd there was a group of ex-pat pensioners from The Companians Club - including Victor Evans, the clubs oldest member at the grand age of 89.
My husband flew back home to Alicante from Manchester T2 yesterday with Ryanair and was rather suprised by the large vertical banner ad on display at the exit of the Biza Duty Free shop.Being a regular air passenger on Ryanair, normally traveling between London Gatwick and Alicante I am aware of the strict hand luggage policy that I always adhere to - that or face the extortionate £40 excess charge for being over the weight or size.
ITV's Daybreak Entertainment correspondent Steve Hargrave has been in Benidorm since last Wednesday pre-recording clips in preparation for Monday and Tuesday's live broadcast. I have been accompanying Steve and the crew around various locations over the last few days and on Saturday had the opportunity to personally interview Steve following a live broadcast on Hotmale Radio.
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On Thursday afternoon the crew headed to the Benidorm Indoor market, located at the Rincon de Loix - already a favorite of residents and holiday-makers when in Benidorm.The first stop was at Goldies Hair Salon ...... what can I say about Goldie - he's a legend here in Benidorm and everyone knows him! Goldie has been in Benidorm for 25 years cutting and colouring - and he's a real character.
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Last night (Wednesday) I accompanied the crew around the heart of Benidorm's nightlife as they started some pre-recorded filming ready for next weeks live broadcast. Our group of seven was quite easy to spot - Cameraman and Sound Technician; Chantal Robehmed - Producer for Daybreak; Sam Pickering - Make up artist and also DJ on Hotmale radio 99.5fm between 5 -7pm; Steve Hargrave - ITV Daybreak Entertainment Correspondent and Philip aka The Duchess.
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With the full force of the Spanish sun it is important to take some precautions in order to cope with the hot weather.Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day ... as the song goes "Only mad-dogs and English men go out in the midday sun" ... which is apparent if you pass by Levante Beach at 1pm. All the locals and Spanish go in for a prolonged lunch and siesta and not resurface until after 4pm.
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The ITV Daybreak production team are arriving in Benidorm on Wednesday to do some live shooting in and around "The Square" during the early hours... so if you see a cameraman you'll know where he's from! They hope to get a feel of the nightlife and what attracts millions of Brits to Benidorm every year which will be transmitted via a live link next Monday and Tuesday.
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After a complete renovation, the "Riviera Beach Hotel" has just re-opened its door to customers as an adult only hotel - no under 16's. What a brilliant idea ...It is located in the heart of the Benidorm entertainment district on the Avd. Derramador ( the road leading from the Sunday market to the Indoor market). The Sol Pelicanos and Morgan's Tavern, aka Neptunes Bar, both featured in the ITV hit series "Benidorm" are both within 100 metres.
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One of the great things about Benidorm is that there is so much to do once here. The beautiful sandy beaches are the first stop and probably the reason why most visitors come here - but Benidorm is also home to 3 theme parks: Terra Mitica, Aqualandia and Terra Natura/Aqua Natura. All are easily accessed whether you have a car or not and serviced by a regular bus service from the centre of town.
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Spain, unlike the UK is somewhat in the dark ages when it comes to round the clock shopping - 24hr supermarket opening has not hit this country yet. Infact it has only been since the beginning of the month that Sunday openings have started due to the influx of holiday visitors to our shores. Carrefour is now open until midnight 7 days a week and the shopping complex opposite "Marina Centre" has also opened its doors to Sunday trading.
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"Jordan Rivers" aka Gary Brown is now most famously recognised as the vicar that married Madge and Mel on Levante beach in ITV's award winning comedy series "Benidorm" - now about to embark on a record 5th series with filming due to commence later this year !But this was not Gary's only "brush" with television stardom ...... the BBC followed him and partner Michael Beddow for over a year filming an 8 part documentary "Escape to the Sun"
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Benidorm is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and the reason most visitors come to holiday here . Levante, probably the most popular and well known is busy and full of life with bars and restaurants lining the promenade thumping out music,but if you want a more sedate one then take a trip to either Poniente or La Cala. These are the ones favoured by both the locals and Spanish as they are quieter and more family orientated.
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