Channel 5 is heading back to the sunshine for its latest six-part mystery series Benidorm Is Murder, bringing together a mix of familiar TV faces for a new crime drama set in the famous Spanish resort.
The series follows former detective Dennis Govan, played by John Hannah, who finds himself drawn into solving crimes after leaving his old life behind. Alongside Carolina Bécquer as Rosa, Dennis is pulled into a series of investigations where holidaymakers, locals and visitors to Benidorm all become potential suspects.
Much like other popular crime dramas, Benidorm Is Murder welcomes a rotating line-up of guest stars, with each new case bringing fresh characters into the story. The series has already confirmed appearances from several recognisable names.
Channel 5
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EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite is one of the biggest names joining the cast of Benidorm Is Murder, with the actor taking on the role of Tiff, Dennis’ ex-wife. Sociable and confident, Tiff appears to have her whole life together, but Outhwaite has teased there’s more to her character.
“She has got it in her head that she deserves better. Or that she could do better,” said the actor. “She sees success as what society deems as success, which is the 2.4 kids, the house, the car, the husband. I think she’s searching for that rather than searching for something in herself.”
Speaking about her alter ego’s complicated relationship with Dennis, she added: “Her marriage to Dennis was very good for a while. It seems to me that Dennis started drinking a bit too much when they were together, and that they probably grew out of each other.”
On-screen, the pair are forced to navigate their complicated history while continuing to co-parent their daughter Carla. Despite their differences, their shared past means there is still plenty of emotion between them, creating another layer to Dennis’ story as he and Tiff begin a new chapter.
Denise Welch is another familiar face making an appearance in the Channel 5 drama, playing a character called Ziggy. For writer and series creator Ian Jarvis – known for his work on Death in Paradise – the former Coronation Street star was perfect for the role.
Channel 5
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“Denise Welch is amazing,” he said. “Ziggy is this low-rent showbiz queen, an agent in the stand-up comedy world. Denise is also just loads of fun to be around. She loves a chat. We spent a lot of time chatting about everything.”
Welch – who will make her appearance in the show this Thursday (6 August) – has enjoyed a long and varied career across TV, theatre and entertainment. Soap fans will recognise her from her role as Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, while she has also starred in Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks.
Away from acting, Welch has also become one of daytime TV’s most recognisable personalities thanks to her long-running role as a panellist on Loose Women.
Elsewhere, comedy star Alistair McGowan also joins the cast of Benidorm Is Murder as Vince, who becomes central to the second episode of the series. The impressionist became a household name thanks to The Big Impression, where his impressions of famous faces made him one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians.
However, over the years, McGowan has shown his versatility as a performer, taking on both comedic and dramatic roles.
Benidorm Is Murder airs this Thursday (6 August) from 9pm on Channel 5.
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