Benidorm, one of ITV's most beloved sitcoms, ran for ten series from 2007 to 2018, captivating audiences with its comedic tales at the Solana Hotel in Spain. Created by Derren Litten, the show featured a stellar cast including Johnny Vegas, Sheila Reid, and Siobhan Finneran, alongside guest stars like Cilla Black and Dame Joan Collins. Now, a decade after its finale, fans have been surprised to learn that one of its stars has swapped television fame for a new career as a wedding singer.
From Hollyoaks to Benidorm: Alice Barlow's TV Journey
Alice Barlow first gained recognition for her role as Rae Wilson in Hollyoaks, where her character was killed off in a dramatic murder plot in 2011. She later appeared in Benidorm as Annie, a recurring character in the seventh series, performing songs like Jessie J's "Price Tag" and "You're The One That I Want" from Grease in the Neptune's karaoke bar. Her television credits also include appearances in Casualty, Coronation Street, and Doctors, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Embracing a New Role as a Wedding Singer
More than a decade after her stint on Benidorm, Alice Barlow has reinvented herself as a wedding singer. She created a TikTok profile, @alice_weddingsinger, to share details of her new career, posting videos that highlight her performances and reflect on her time on the ITV sitcom. In one post, she wrote, "What you might not know about me... before becoming a wedding singer, I appeared as a guest role, Annie Redromnd on ITV's award-winning show Benidorm." She expressed fond memories of working with TV legends and encouraged fans to watch the series on Netflix.
Fan Reactions and Support on Social Media
Fans quickly discovered Alice's TikTok account and flooded the comments with supportive messages. One admirer commented, "I love you! I watch Benidorm every day and whenever you come on I just stare and take in your voice!" Another shared, "This is crazy! I'm literally watching Benidorm now and have been for the last couple of weeks... Funny enough the episode you're in I'm now watching!" This outpouring of affection underscores the enduring popularity of Benidorm and its cast members.
Past Endeavors and Future Hopes for Benidorm
Prior to her wedding singer career, Alice Barlow tried her luck on The Voice in 2013, mentored by Danny O'Donoghue of The Script, but was eliminated in the battle rounds. Meanwhile, there is renewed hope among fans for a Benidorm revival. Sherrie Hewson, who played Joyce Temple-Savage in the series, recently hinted at a potential comeback, telling Bella magazine, "We're waiting for the green light, so fingers crossed. It's still so popular... People say they miss it desperately." She noted that the show's constant availability on streaming platforms highlights its lasting appeal.
Alice Barlow's transition from television actress to wedding singer illustrates the diverse paths that performers can take after their time in the spotlight. With Benidorm remaining a cherished part of British television history, fans continue to celebrate its legacy and the new ventures of its stars.
