As rumours about a new series of much-loved comedy Benidorm continue, it has been reported that Derren Litten and Jake Canuso’s separation is adding extra complications

Jake Canuso and Derren Litten went through a messy divorce last year(Image: Getty Images)

The return of iconic show Benidorm has been thrown into crisis after creator Derren Litten ‘miserable’ divorce from the show’s biggest star Jake Canuso, it has been claimed.

The couple called it quits in 2023 and things are between the producer and the actor – Lothario Matteo in the ITV comedy – are said to be tense. With talks about a return of the much-loved programme still possible, the news comes as a hammer blow to fans.

Benidorm aired for ten series from 2007 until 2018. The show focuses on an all-inclusive hotel in Spain where the same family holiday each year. It featured the likes of Johnny Vegas, Tim Healy, Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran and icid-tongued force of nature Madge, played brilliantly by veteran Sheila Reid.

All left before the final series, throwing a return for any of the big names into doubt. That means stars like long-serving Jake were key to getting a revival off the ground, but the situation between the slippery barman and creator Derren makes things difficult, it has been reported.

The former couple even opened a bar together in the hot spot (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

The pair officially divorced last year after living together in Benidorm. They even opened a bar called “Matteo’s” where Jake would turn up for guest appearances. Derren said on X last year: “I don’t really talk about my personal life here but the reason I’ve been a bit scarce on the socials is for the last 18 months I’ve been going through a pretty miserable divorce. So I’m obviously poor now. And you thought we couldn’t have more in common then we already do?!”

A source told The Sun. “Matteo is Benidorm, he’s the character that everyone wants to see. He’s been part of the Solana since the beginning so for him not to feature in any future reboot, well it just would not be the same without him. Jake created one of the show’s most loved characters in Matteo but with everything that’s happened between him and Derren, it’s not looking good.”

Another insider said: “Conversations have been had. The only way Jake will return is if ITV make him a huge offer, one that he could not possibly turn down. But obviously Derren is making negotiations difficult. He is the writer and creator and believes that he should make all the decisions – the fans would want to see Matteo, which ITV get. It’s all become one big headache.”

A spokesperson for Jake told the publication they were unaware of any planned return for Benidorm. But all-grown-up Oliver Stokes – who played Michael Garvey since the first show – recently appeared on Loose Women, alongside Hannah Hobley, who played mum-to-Coolio Chantelle.

Oliver was looked after by his grandparents while on set in Benidorm playing the cheeky youngster who ran amok around the Solana Hotel pool. “I had to do a minimum of three hours of schooling a day, which was an absolute bonus,” he joked. “But in a way, it wasn’t really the best because I didn’t really pay attention or do much work. Oh well, it was an experience.”

Oliver has now taken a step back from acting and works as a successful tradesman, explaining, “It got to a point where I just thought I wanted an income every month guaranteed, instead of not knowing when your next job is going to come.

“I’d love to get back into the future if the right thing came about but who knows?” Aside from keeping busy with his toddler Archie, he is also an avid fisherman and runs a fish bait company called Active Baits.

Hannah began by saying the show had received so much “love and support” over the rumours, adding: “At the moment, they are just rumours.” The studio audience broke out into a chorus of disappointed sighs, with Charlene then revealing she had a statement from ITV regarding the return of Benidorm in the future.

“ITV say, ‘We’ve spoken to one of our sources over here and there’s nothing commissioned yet, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed’,” she announced, giving everyone some hope.