Sherrie Hewson, best known for playing Solana Hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage across six series of ITV's beloved sitcom Benidorm, has addressed the possibility of the show making a comeback. The actress acknowledged that the programme would require modifications in today's 'woke' climate should it return to screens.
Potential Return Would Bring New Faces
Speaking to Zingo Bingo, Hewson explained that creator and writer Derren Litten would likely refresh the cast. 'I think Derren Litten would bring in other people, different acts in the Neptune's bar, different singers, and different families. It would be the same kind of thing, but you have to move on, don't you?' she said.
She added: 'There are people that couldn't be in it because we've lost people. You'd have to move on and bring in new characters, which is actually quite exciting. Joyce would actually have to vet them all - that would be brilliant.'
Adapting to a 'Woke' Era
The former Coronation Street star acknowledged the need for sensitivity in modern television. 'I mean with woke, everybody has to watch their language, shall I say. I think we know that. There was never anybody I know in this world who was ever offended by Benidorm,' she said.
'There was nothing offensive about it. If it ever did come back, I can't see what they could do to make it different. It would be the same, but it would have new people. Maybe that would move on to a different level.'
Enduring Popularity and Writing Quality
Despite concluding in 2018 after 10 series and 74 episodes, Benidorm remains hugely popular with viewers. Hewson attributed this to Litten's writing, particularly for female characters. 'It's the writing. Derren Litten knows how to write, for women in particular. I think that's quite rare. He also casts very well. All those characters were cast, like Tim Healy as Les, every character was cast beautifully,' she said.
'He would look at somebody and just know that was who he was going to write for. His writing was just superb. People say to me, 'I've got an auntie just like Joyce Temple Savage, or my mother's just like Joyce.'
She concluded: 'Viewers can relate to all the characters. Everybody loves it because apart from anything else, it's so funny. The music makes me smile to this day.' The series is available to stream on ITVX.
