Benidorm reboot 'in crisis' as show's creator and lead star rocked by 'miserable' divorce after years of keeping marriage out of the spotlight
The Benidorm reboot is 'in crisis' after the show's creator and one of the lead stars were rocked by a 'miserable' divorce.
Writer Derren Litten, 54, and Mateo Castellano star Jake Canuso, 55, had been together for years and lived in Benidorm, Spain.
However, in 2022 they decided to go their separate ways and officially divorced last year.
This could make the show's return to our screens, eight years after it was axed, a little bit complicated, according to insiders.
A source told The Sun: 'Matteo is Benidorm, he's the character that everyone wants to see.
'He's been part of the Solana since the beginning so for him not to feature in any future reboot, well it just would not be the same without him.
'Jake created one of the show's most loved characters in Matteo, but with everything that's happened between him and Derren, it's not looking good.'
Another added: 'Conversations have been had.
'The only way Jake will return is if ITV make him a huge offer, one that he could not possibly turn down.
'But obviously Derren is making negotiations difficult. He is the writer and creator and believes that he should make all the decisions.
'The fans would want to see Matteo, which ITV get. It's all become one big headache.'
Taking to X to address their split last year, Derren said: 'I don't really talk about my personal life here but the reason I've been a bit scarce on the socials is for the last 18 months I've been going through a pretty miserable divorce.
'So I'm obviously poor now. And you thought we couldn't have more in common then we already do?!'
MailOnline contacted Jake's rep for comment.
Derren (pictured) said on X last year: 'I don't really talk about my personal life here but the reason I've been a bit scarce on the socials is for the last 18 months I've been going through a pretty miserable divorce'
Jake played senior barman Mateo Castellanos at the hotel between 2007 and 2018.
Benidorm aired 74 episodes across 10 series on ITV between 2007 and 2018.
Fans were over the moon when a potential reboot hit headlines back in April.
Just two months after its cancellation was confirmed, the show won best comedy at TV Choice Awards - with its creator Derren calling out the decision in his acceptance speech at the time.
But fans may not have to wait too long for their Benidorm fix, as The Sun reported ITV bosses were in talks to reboot the show.
A TV insider told the publication: 'Benidorm was adored by millions when it was suddenly cancelled. Fans will be thrilled to hear ITV wants to bring it back.
'An 11th series hasn't been commissioned yet, but there's major excitement building as early talks begin.
The hilarious sitcom began in 2007 but came to an end in May 2018, and fans have been begging for more ever since
'Producers have started to reach out to the show's stars and are hopefully a decision can be made later this year.'
Fans were ecstatic as the news circulated online, writing: 'Sincerely hope this is true!! Dearly missed show!';
'Feel like I'm dreaming. Really hope they make this happen,'; 'Omg yay I hope they all come back!!';
'Ur 5 days late for April fools... or its actually real?!?! Finally ITV bringing back a INCREDIBLE Show,';
'Omg! I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement! This is the best news ever! I really hope the Garveys come back!'
'I hope so cause that would be the best birthday present every.'
The ITV Brits abroad sitcom - which followed a group of holidaymakers in the Spanish resort and their hilarious escapades - came to an end in May 2018 after 11 years, and fans have been begging for more ever since.
In 2023, show creator Derren teased a return of the beloved series as he announced that he was returning back to writing for 'both television and theatre'.
He said: 'I have had clear, recent indications that certain TV channels are interested in my decision and I hope you will be watching the fruits of my labour in time to come.'
Then, last month he sparked hope of its comeback once again when a fan asked on X: '@DerrenLitten @ITV Another series of Benidorm on the cards?' and he cryptically replied: 'Who knows...'
Announcing the news on social media that it had been axed in 2018, Derren said: 'Crazy to think Wednesday will be the last episode of Benidorm!
'I created the series over 11 years ago, wrote it, guest starred in it and ended up directing it. It's difficult to think what else there is to do! Thank you for watching!'
Actor Shane Richie waded into the debate, admitting he has disappointed by the decision to axe Benidorm after 11-years.
Sharing a GIF with fans, he wrote: 'Sunday is a day of rest I refuse to get angry... inhale, exhale Sammy, just breath you big lump of beautiful gorgeousness... F**k it !!!! Nooooooooooo!'
Derren had initially dismissed reports that Benidorm was being taken off air after its 10th series.
Posting on Twitter, he wrote: "Don't make me f**king laugh! (I enjoyed that story after series 6. And 7 and 8 and 9...) (sic)'
He later removed the message and retweeted a series of positive fan posts.
A source told The Sun at the time: 'Benidorm' has been a huge success for ITV for a decade, but bosses feel it's run its course.
'The ratings have started to drop off and a number of the fan favourites have left, so it just feels as though the time is right to let it go out while it's still on a high.
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