Sherrie Hewson, best known for playing Solana Hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, has addressed the possibility of the show returning to screens. Speaking to Zingo Bingo, the actress acknowledged that the series would need to evolve in today's 'woke' climate if it were to make a comeback.
Potential Changes for a Comeback
Hewson explained that creator and writer Derren Litten would likely introduce new characters and settings. '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.'
Addressing 'Woke' Culture
The former Coronation Street star commented on the need for sensitivity in modern comedy. '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 stated.
Hewson emphasised the show's inoffensive nature: '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 be that would move on to a different level.'
Enduring Popularity
Benidorm, which ran for 10 series and 74 episodes until 2018, remains a hit with viewers. Hewson attributed its lasting appeal to Litten's writing and casting. '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.
She added: '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." 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.'
Benidorm is available to stream on ITVX.
