Denise Welch is almost unrecognisable in her new role in Channel 5's comedy crime drama Benidorm Is Murder, debuting a short auburn hairstyle that departs from her signature bleach-blonde pixie crop.
New Role as Ziggy
The 68-year-old actress, who played Natalie Barnes on Coronation Street for three years, stars as Ziggy in the new series. Several photographs posted on Channel 5's official Instagram revealed her in character, captioned: "First look at @denise_welch in Benidorm is Murder. Starring as Ziggy, the heart and soul of the Laughter Lounge... but behind the spotlight, trouble is brewing."
Fan Reactions
Fans responded enthusiastically to the post, with one viewer saying, "I'm here for that woman bl***y icon." Another wrote: "Looks like Elsie Tanner." Others commented "Cannot wait" and "Obsessed."
Upcoming Episode
A synopsis for the episode airing Thursday evening (August 6) hints at drama: "At the Laughter Lounge, Frank Mann hosts faded game-show star Vince Starky, whose comeback could save debt-ridden owner Ziggy. When doorman Paco finds a rooftop corpse, Dennis uncovers suspicious clues and Rosa unearths grudges, debts, and secrets. Can they persuade reluctant Maria that the killer is hiding in plain sight?"
Series Background
The Channel 5 programme launched at the end of July and centres on retired detective Dennis (John Hannah), who runs a dilapidated Scottish bar in Spain. When a suspect is taken into custody for murder, his true-crime-obsessed barmaid Rosa (Carolina Bécquer) becomes convinced the authorities have the wrong person. Despite initial reluctance, Dennis and Rosa join forces to unravel the case and track down the real culprit.
Benidorm Is Murder airs Thursdays on Channel 5 from 9pm.
