Vegas to star in new ITV1 sitcom

Johnny Vegas has signed up for Benidorm, a six-part series set to be shown on ITV1 during 2007. The sitcom, also featuring League of Gentleman’s Steve Pemberton, is Paul Jackson’s first commission since taking over the post of Director of Entertainment and Comedy. It is penned by Derren Litten, co-writer (with Catherine Tate) of The Catherine Tate Show.

“Benidorm is the holiday experience we have all had where you spend 14 days avoiding the lairy couple who sat behind you on the coach," says Paul Jackson. "Derren has created a fantastic range of characters and the sheer quality of his writing has attracted a really exciting cast who will bring to life the joys and the horrors of the all inclusive package holiday.”

The cast also includes Siobhan Finneran, Nicholas Burns, Abigail Cruttenden, Shelia Reid, Hugh Sachs, Paul Bazely and Kenny Ireland.