The sun-drenched expat community in Benidorm and fans across the UK are mourning the loss of a true local legend. Graham Boland, the charismatic star of Channel 5's Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun and owner of the iconic Happy Days bar, has died.
Heartbreaking Family Announcement
The sad news was confirmed by Graham's brother, Adrian Smith, in a heartfelt statement shared on social media on Thursday 18 January 2024. Mr Smith expressed he was "completely heartbroken" to share the "devastating news" that his "baby brother" had passed away that afternoon.
"As you can imagine this is the most heartbreaking news not only for myself and our family but also to all that knew and loved him too," the statement read. The family's grief is shared by a wide circle of friends, fans, and the tight-knit British community in the Spanish resort.
A Benidorm Institution: From Bar to Broadcast
Graham Boland was a cornerstone of life for many Brits abroad. He was best known as the proprietor of the legendary Happy Days bar in Benidorm, a venue that became a focal point on the Channel 5 reality series. The show, which launched in 2016, follows the lives of British residents who have chosen to live in the popular coastal town.
Boland had been a fixture on the programme since its inception, charming viewers with his personality until his final episode aired in April 2023. Beyond television, he was a familiar voice to many as a drive-time DJ on Benidorm's local Fresh Radio station.
Tributes Pour In for a 'Legend'
In the wake of the announcement, an outpouring of love and respect has flooded social media, with many hailing Boland as a "Benidorm legend". Fans and acquaintances remembered him not just as a TV personality, but as a central, welcoming figure in the expat community.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) noted he was a "joy" to watch on screen and hear on the radio, adding poignantly: "The bright lights of Benidorm will not be so bright as a result of his passing." He was affectionately known to many as Graham "Happy Days" Boland, a name that encapsulated his cheerful public persona and his beloved business.
This article was amended on 22 December 2025 to correct the attribution of the initial statement, which was issued by his brother Adrian Smith.
