Benidorm to return for Series 9
- Benidorm will return to screens for a ninth series
- All the regular cast are expected to return
- Series 8 has averaged over 4 million viewers per episode so far
ITV has confirmed that it has commissioned a ninth series of Benidorm.
The sitcom, set in the all-inclusive Solana hotel in the Spanish holiday resort, is currently broadcasting its eighth series on Monday nights.
Saskia Schuster, ITV's head comedy commissioner, says: "The storylines for the new series of Benidorm are wonderfully sharp and funny, capturing the very heart and soul of what's made this comedy so successful with ITV viewers.
"We've got some really good surprises in store for viewers this year with filming set to commence on location in Spain next month."
In a statement, ITV add: "Many of your favourite holidaymakers will be appearing throughout the new series with the ever-resourceful Solana staff that includes Joyce Temple Savage (Sherrie Hewson), Les/Lesley (Tim Healy) and Mateo (Jake Canuso) who are all back to ensure everyone's holiday goes to plan."
Of the six episodes broadcast so far, Series 8 has attracted an average audience of 4.5 million viewers in overnight ratings alone. The series will conclude tonight with another guest appearance by Dame Joan Collins and the return of a former Benidorm regular.
Series 9 is expected to follow the recent series pattern of broadcast from January.
Meanwhile, the BBC are today confirming that Benidorm writer Derren Litten has penned a new episode of Are You Being Served?, which will star Benidorm alumni Sherrie Hewson and John Challis.