Nearly two decades have passed since the beloved British sitcom Benidorm first graced television screens, capturing the hearts of audiences with its hilarious portrayal of Brits abroad on an all-inclusive holiday. The show introduced viewers to the unforgettable Garvey family, whose antics at the Solana Hotel became a cultural touchstone for many fans.
From Mischievous Teen to Grown-Up Dad
Among the standout characters was Michael Garvey, the cheeky son of Manchester-based couple Janice and Mick Garvey, portrayed by actor Oliver Stokes between 2007 and 2015. Stokes shot to fame in this role, also making a memorable appearance in the 2011 Christmas special of All-Star Family Fortunes alongside his co-stars.
Now, almost twenty years since his debut on the hit ITV series, Oliver Stokes looks remarkably different. At 27 years old, he has swapped the spotlight of acting for the joys of fatherhood, embracing a new chapter in his life.
A New Life Away from the Cameras
Stokes has a young son named Archie and regularly shares updates on his family life through social media, though he keeps the identity of his partner private. In recent Instagram posts, he can be seen posing in a red puffer jacket and an orange beanie, his smile still as mischievous as ever.
Another photo reveals him sporting a short moustache, a stark contrast to the baby-faced teen audiences remember from Benidorm. In a caption, he humorously remarked, "Friday mornings should be illegal, first time I've worked a Friday for about 2 years," hinting at his shift away from regular acting work.
Shocking Fans with a Changed Appearance
Oliver recently surprised viewers when he appeared on Loose Women with his former co-star Hannah Hobley. This came amid news that ITV is resurrecting the beloved sitcom eight years after its cancellation. During the interview, Stokes reflected on his time filming in Benidorm as a child, where he would spend up to three months in Spain at a time, aided by a private tutor to keep up with his studies for around five hours daily between scenes.
Fans took to social media to express their astonishment at his transformation. One user wrote, "OMG Michael Garvey from Benidorm has grown into an absolutely gorgeous young man," while another commented, "I've never felt so old watching Loose Women after seeing the Benidorm kids all grown up."
Benidorm remains available for streaming on ITVX, allowing both longtime fans and new viewers to revisit the comedic adventures that launched Oliver Stokes into the public eye. His journey from a child star to a devoted father highlights the personal growth that often follows early fame in the entertainment industry.
