Benidorm

Sheila Reid: 'We're mobbed like JLS!'

What's On TV caught up with Sheila Reid on the set of Benidorm, where she revealed that Madge is about to make a new friend and gave us the lowdown on the Garveys, fake tan and the possibilities of doing wheelies on that mobility scooter...

Matthew Kelly's 'Benidorm' episode seen by 6.5 million

Benidorm showed no signs of fatigue on its second outing of 2012 on Friday night, overnight data indicates.

It's Strictly Come Solana tonight as the resort stages its own dance contest.

While the guests brush up on their pasodobles and their lambadas, Matthew Kelly guests as dance judge Cyril Babcock who unwisely challenges ­swivel-hipped barman Mateo to a dance-off.

Unfortunately, they didn't seem to have a lens wide enough to get Kelly's head, feet and body all in the same shot (he's 6ft 5in) so we're left none the wiser about how well he measures up in that department.

Elsewhere, new resort manager Joyce (Sherrie Hewson) thinks that Mateo has the hots for her - while Janice Garvey is alarmed to spot a familiar face lurking at the poolside bar.

We're still trying to get our heads around seeing Downton's hatchet-faced Miss O'Brien in a bikini, but her run-in with new girl Trudy proves who's the boss.

A sort of low-rent Strictly Come Benidorm ensues as Cyril Babcock (Matthew Kelly) holds a dance contest at the Solana. This may not be a classic episode, but the terrific ensemble cast can elevate the run-of-the-mill. Hardly surprising - Janine Duvitski's comedy pedigree extends way back to Abigail's Party, on-screen hubby Kenny Ireland's to Acorn Antiques... And young Adam Gillen (as moronic Liam) is already proving a fine comedy actor.

And if you thought new girl Trudy might become top dog, think again. As mum Janice-cum-She-Ra, Siobhan Finneran seems light years away from Miss O'Brien (the harridan she plays in Downton) but is doubly formidable.

It's never been subtle, but with an increasing reliance on innuendo and slapstick for laughs, Derren Little's camp comedy drama has started to resemble an updated Carry On film. In tonight's episode, the Solana resort's exacting new manager Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson) organises a dance contest for guests. She ropes in an old flame, ageing TV judge Cyril Babcock (flouncing guest star Matthew Kelly), to supervise rehearsals. Over in the hair salon (now rechristened Blow 'n' Go) Kenneth has hired uninspiring new assistant Carmen (Alba Ortega), while over by the pool bar an unexpected visitor gives Janice (Siobhan Finneran) a nasty shock.

Steve Pemberton: We celebrate Benidorm

We caught up with Benidorm's Steve Pemberton on set, where the star revealed the stag-do mayhem in store for Mick when his brother and dad hit the resort...

Benidorm still a hit for ITV1, returns with 6.6 million

ITV's Benidorm returned with strong numbers last night, according to the latest overnight data.

Cross-dresser Les (Tim Healy) offers guests who have lost their luggage "full access to my wardrobe of bikinis and summer dresses"... Saucy swinger Jacqueline has been smuggling contraband secreted, eye-wateringly, about her person... Dotty pensioner Noreen offers the gay hairdressers a threesome (it's not what they imagine)... and newcomer Trudy butts heads and breaks wind with abandon at the poolside... Yes, Derren Litten's shameless, sun-baked smutcom doesn't get any classier - and that's just the way I and around seven million other devotees love it.

Snooty new manager Joyce Temple Savage (Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson) is, however, determined to raise the tone. Experienced in the travel business ("I spent three years under "Richard Branson]"), she's tasked with upgrading the Solana into a four-star resort. Classical music drifting over the sun-loungers? That won't wash with this gobby lot.

No Steve Pemberton tonight, although he's back as Mick next week and will share writing duties on episodes later in the run. Buenas noches!

Whereas previous series have displayed a certain demented resolve to entertain on their own terms, this scarcely credible fifth series of Benidorm is visibly going through the motions - not that this is likely to stop millions tuning in. There's the super-camp guest-spot (cabaret crooner Asa Elliott); the injection of focus-grouped new talent (Loose Women's Sherrie Hewson as the Solana's fearsome new manager); the last gasp shortcut to emotional connection (a climactic Don't Stop Believin'); and enough double entendres and toilet humour ('arsonist'! Bottom from A Midsummer Night's Dream!) to have Julian Clary checking his jokebook for plagiarism. Plenty of the regulars are back, but the joie de vivre that covered many of the cracks is long gone, leaving behind a tired, cynical cash cow.

Benidorm Series 5 review

Tonight's disappointing series opener suggests the holiday romance might be over.