Jake Canuso, the actor who played Mateo Castellanos in every single episode of ITV's Benidorm, has led a life off screen marked by both glamour and survival. The 56-year-old Swiss-British performer, who starred in the comedy from 2007 until its end in 2018, is the show's longest-serving actor, featuring in all 74 episodes. His character, a barman at the fictional Solana hotel, was known as a 'ladies' man', with many storylines revolving around his affairs and relationships with guests.
From dancing with superstars to a near-fatal tsunami
Before his television breakthrough, Canuso spent 18 years as a professional dancer, working with the Spice Girls, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Rozalla and Annie Lennox. In a dramatic twist, he survived the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, while on holiday in Ko Phra Thong, Thailand. He was swept up by the wave and became trapped underwater.
The traumatic experience left him with aquaphobia, and he did not swim for several years. He later faced that fear, eventually appearing on ITV's diving show Splash!.
A new look and a familiar voice
Now 56, Canuso sports longer hair and stubble with a hint of grey, but he still looks back fondly on his Benidorm days. In a recent podcast interview, he said: "It was a lot of work, it was long hours, but it never felt like work. It really never felt like work, and it was such a wonderful group of people."
He added that the cast were all "so welcomed" into Benidorm by the locals, the Spanish and the expats, saying that they "enjoyed us being there, rather than being against us". His real-life voice is a clear British accent, very different from his character's Spanish accent.
Staying connected with fans
Though no longer on TV, Canuso now offers private video messages via Cameo, with prices starting at £40.26. His Cameo profile explains: "Fans can expect a fun, flirtatious, and quintessentially Mateo-esque message from Jake Canuso for their personalised videos." He transforms back into his beloved persona, complete with uniform, name tag and Spanish accent, while also sharing occasional insights into his life on Instagram.
