Latest news with #JakeCanuso
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Benidorm star reveals show reboot update – and reason why ITV could DITCH it
A BENIDORM fan favourite has revealed fresh hope for a long-awaited reboot - but behind-the-scenes drama could see ITV pull the plug before it even gets off the ground. Benidorm fans were hoping for a reunion when rumours started flying back in April - and now show legend Sherrie Hewson has spilled some juicy new details. 4 The actress, who played no-nonsense hotel boss Joyce Temple-Savage, revealed that fresh scripts for a brand-new season have already been written and handed to ITV bigwigs – and she reckons they 'think they are wonderful'. During an appearance at An Evening with Sherrie Hewson, she said: "I do know ITV have got new scripts and they love them and think they are wonderful. "The problem with Benidorm is that it's probably one of the most expensive shows ever because it's in Spain, we have a Spanish crew, we have a British crew, so it costs a fortune to make. "But it's on twice a day every day and those ratings are still as high as they ever were, so I think it will [return]." Sherrie went on to claim that ITV bosses 'love the scripts' and revealed show creator Derren Litten 'laughed out loud when he wrote them'. 'So I don't think there's any question,' she teased. 'It's just when.' The Sun exclusively revealed talks have begun about bringing the iconic sitcom back. But the return of the ITV comedy hit the rocks following a huge falling out between creator Derren Litten and the show's biggest star Jake Canuso who plays randy barman Matteo. The pair had quietly been a real life couple, and had been happily married for years, choosing to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Living together in Benidorm, Derren even opened a bar called 'Matteo's' in the holiday hotspot which saw Jake often turn up for special guest appearances. I starred on Benidorm - here's how much I was really paid by ITV bosses and where the cast actually stay But the couple called time on their relationship at the end of 2022 - leading to one of the messiest divorces in TV history. They were finally granted a divorce in August 2024. Derren took to Twitter and 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?!' Benidorm cast members Airing from 2007 to 2018, ITV sitcom Benidorm had a wide range of stars appear during its decade-long run Johnny Vegas: The popular comedian played Geoff Maltby aka "The Oracle" Steve Pemberton: Writer, comedian and co-creator of Inside No. 9 starred as Mick Garvey. Siobhan Finneran: Coronation Stree t and Downton Abbey actress Siobhan played the part of Janice Garvey. Crissy Rock: The Liverpudlian stand-up comedian played Janey Yorke. Tony Maudsley: Now known as George Shuttleworth on Coronation Street, Tony's Benidorm stint saw him portray Kenneth Du Beke. Sherrie Hewson: Another Corrie alum, the former Loose Women panellist had the role of Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm. Hannah Waddingham: Best known for playing Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, Hannah played Tonya Dyke in Benidorm. Danny Walters: Having later played ill-fated EastEnders hunk Keanu Taylor, Benidorm fans knew Danny as Tiger Dyke. John Challis: The late Only Fools and Horses actor, who played Boycie, had a stint in Benidorm as Monty Evans/Staines. Nathan Byron: Nathan had a recurring role in Ghosts as Mike's friend Obi, but also appeared in Benidorm as Joey Ellis. A source said: '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.' Benidorm has had a huge resurgence after Netflix bought the episodes from ITV. Another source said: '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.' A spokesperson for Jake insisted they were unaware of any planned return for Benidorm. 4 4
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Benidorm return in crisis as creator's secret DIVORCE from show star throws reunion into chaos
THE return of iconic ITV comedy Benidorm has hit the rocks following a huge falling out between creator Derren Litten and the show's biggest star Jake Canuso who plays randy barman Matteo. The pair had quietly been a real life couple, and had been happily married for years, choosing to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. 2 2 Living together in Benidorm, Derren even opened a bar called 'Matteo's' in the holiday hotspot which saw Jake often turn up for special guest appearances. But the couple called time on their relationship at the end of 2022 - leading to one of the messiest divorces in TV history. They were finally granted a divorce in August 2024. Derren took to Twitter and 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?!' A source said: '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.' Benidorm has had a huge resurgence after Netflix bought the episodes from ITV. Another source said: 'Conversations have been had. Benidorm Trailer ITV '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.' A spokesperson for Jake insisted they were unaware of any planned return for Benidorm.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Benidorm star Jake Canuso is unrecognisable from his days as heartthrob Mateo and 21 years after near-death experience
He shot to fame in the early 2000s after starring in an iconic British sitcom. Now, Jake Canuso - who played the ever-flirtatious barman Mateo in the hit series - looks completely unrecognisable seven years on, sporting long grey hair and beard stubble - and it seems he's been hitting the gym. The actor and dancer played the hunky waiter since the show began in 2007 until 2018. The Swiss-British actor, 55, holds the record as the show's longest-serving cast member, appearing in all 74 episodes. Before his time on Benidorm, he was a professional dancer, touring with acts like the Spice Girls and Elton John, and even appearing as a ballet dancer in the music video for Annie Lennox 's No More I Love You's. He later capitalised on his fame with a stint on the now-defunct reality show Splash! in 2013, where Tom Daley coached celebrities in diving. When Benidorm ended, he was one of the castmates who took part in Derren Litten's Benidorm Live stage show, which toured the UK from September 2018 until April 2019 for 250 shows. He also kept in close contact with creator Derren and bagged a role in his BBC One sitcom Scarborough, where he played the role of Tony Peroni in the 2019 series, before portraying Stewie in the television film My Bad. Jake has also tried his hand at pantomimes, and in 2022, he appeared as Abanazar in Aladdin, which was staged at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Last year, he had a role in Brit gangster film Fyre Rises, alongside Marc Bannerman, but Mateo remains his best-known role to date, and he's even been honoured with a bar named after him in Benidorm. The bar, owned by Derren Litten, is filled with memorabilia from the series, and stars, including Jake, have made special appearances. These days, Jake connects with fans via Cameo, offering personalised videos in character as Mateo. With five-star reviews and a cheeky tagline - 'Mateo from Benidorm at your services' - his videos start at £56 and are typically delivered within 24 hours. In the run-up to Valentine's Day last year, he promoted the service saying: 'It's nearly Valentine's Day. 'Last chance to get a cheeky Valentines message from Benidorm's Barman Mateo. Check out the link and if you book today all messages will be done by tomorrow.' In April this year, it was rumoured that Benidorm could be making a huge comeback, eight years after it was cancelled. The sitcom is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly on streaming platforms like Netflix. A TV insider told The Sun: '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.'
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Benidorm's barman Mateo unrecognisable 21 years on from cheating death in tsunami
Jake Canuso played the role of barman Mateo Castellanos for 11 years in the ITV sitcom Benidorm. For over a decade, from 2007 to 2018, he was the charismatic bartender in ITV's hit sitcom Benidorm. But actor Jake Canuso, now aged 55, has undergone quite a transformation since his days as the heartthrob Mateo Castellanos. Jake shared the limelight with celebrities such as Crissy Rock – who has since opened up about her childhood sexual abuse ordeal – and other stars like Johnny Vegas, Steve Pemberton and Sherrie Hewson. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving character on the show, having featured in all 74 episodes. Today, he sports a different look with longer hair and stubble, and it seems he's been hitting the gym. In a chilling incident back in 2004, Jake narrowly avoided death during the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day while vacationing in Ko Phra Thong, Thailand. Upon noticing the initial waves, he sought refuge by climbing a tree but ended up submerged underwater when the tree broke. This terrifying ordeal resulted in him developing a fear of water, rendering him too scared to swim for several years, reports the Mirror. A decade ago, Jake took part in ITV's diving programme Splash!, hosted by Tom Daley, according to OK! . Since then, he's expressed a desire to join Strictly Come Dancing and also played Alejandro, a pig farmer, in the movie Fyre Rises. Hollywood star and Spider-Man actor Eric Roberts co-starred in the film, which also boasted a line-up of British talent including EastEnders' Steven Beale actor Aaron Sidwell and Marc Bannerman, who portrayed Gianni di Marco in the soap. Jake has recently expanded his talents beyond the acting world, now creating personalised videos for fans on the sought-after celebrity messaging service Cameo. He has accumulated a host of five-star ratings and advertises his offerings with the catchy phrase: "Mateo from Benidorm at your services." The cost for one of his videos starts from £56, with the promise of delivery within 24 hours. In a post last year that enticed his Instagram audience, he proposed: "It's nearly Valentine's Day. Last chance to get a cheeky Valentines message from Benidorm's Barman Mateo. Check out the link and if you book today all messages will be done by tomorrow." Before finding fame in Benidorm, Jake had an extensive 18-year career as a professional dancer, sharing stages with legendary acts including Rozalla, the Spice Girls, Annie Lennox, and Elton John. His dance credentials extend to appearances in classic '90s music videos, among them Alex Party's hit 'Don't Give Me Your Life', Carter USM's 'Let's Get Tattoos', 2 Unlimited's 'Here I Go', and Kylie Minogue's 'Give Me Just A Little More Time'. He has also shone on the pantomime scene, playing leading roles such as starring in 'Aladdin' in Birmingham in 2014 and featuring in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in Bradford the following year. Jake isn't the only Benidorm star to have branched out; his co-stars have pursued diverse paths from working as an ASDA delivery driver to acting in the series 'Ted Lasso'. As of April this year, there's mounting speculation that Benidorm might make an anticipated return, eight years after being discontinued. With a resurgence of interest, especially on streaming sites like Netflix, Benidorm fans are hopeful for a revival.
