Benidorm

Radio Times review

A bit of an upturn after last week's opening debacle. The cartoon characters, daft situations and gobbets of innuendo almost coagulate into a palatable whole. Lazy Kenneth learns that he might be inheriting a fortune. Tiger plays tricks on his unfeasibly dim mate Joey. And Mateo demonstrates "first aids" to the Solana staff, including his Heineken manoeuvre should any guests choke on their sausage.

Most promising is that we have a glimpse of the Maltbys en masse, or rather daffy Noreen, her oafish son Geoff (Johnny Vegas) and problem daughter Pauline. All three have never appeared together in the series before and I'm now looking forward to next week.

The comedy-drama returns. As the eighth series begins, change is very much in the wind at the Solana. Les (Tim Healy) is on duty without his customary makeup and chestnut bob, while Jacqueline is saying goodbye to Donald by scattering his ashes over the bay with the help of a wind machine and the lads from the Blow & Go. New guest cast members materialise in the shape of the Dawsons (featuring Julie Graham as mum Sheron) while sex-comedy mainstay Robin Askwith debuts as aspirant barman/lothario Marcus.

Robin Askwith says he's STILL a target for maneaters

Robin Askwith returns to the bawdy ITV sitcom on Monday and admits he just can't seem to leave his racy screen past behind him.

Sherrie Hewson interview

Benidorm star, Sherrie Hewson, 65, on finding the right man, being a doting grandma, and getting thrown out of bars...

Paul Bazely & Janine Duvitski interview

Last seen in the final episode of Series 4, Troy is back in Benidorm and once again played by Paul Basely. Also back, following the very sad death of Kenny Ireland who played her on-screen husband Donald, is Janine Duvitski as Benidorm's most prolific swinger, Jacqueline Stewart.

Jake Canuso, Tim Healy & Jessica Ellerby interview

Benidorm regulars Mateo (Jake Canuso) and Les/Lesley (Tim Healy) are back working at the Solana and this year there's a new girl behind the bar, Amber (Jessica Ellerby).

Benidorm Series 8 preview

Benidorm is back for more bawdy fun in the sun with the Solana guests and staff.

Radio Times review

Benidorm is ailing. I speak as one who loved the earlier series but, as the eighth opens, it can barely crank out an ounce of credibility in the storylines, let alone a decent laugh. The Garveys are gone and with them any clout Steve Pemberton, Sheila Reid and Siobhan Finneran brought to the show (although Reid will be back for a guest spot).

A new family, the Dawsons (headed by a shrill Julie Graham), make little impact, while Joyce (Sherrie Hewson) seriously considers hiring the deeply unsavoury Marcus (Robin Askwith).

On a positive note, Jacqueline gives her late hubby Donald a touching send-off, aided by hairdresser Troy (Paul Bazely, returning after four years away).

Honor Kneafsey, Steve Edge & Bobby Knutt interview

As Benidorm returns for an incredible eighth series, Billy, Sheron, Eddie, Rob and Jodie, otherwise known as the Dawsons, make their on-screen debut.

Tony Maudsley interview

Having lost his partner in crime, Liam, at the end of the last series, Benidorm fans will be pleased to hear that Kenneth Du Beke is back for more fun in the sun as the series returns for an eighth run!