‘Beloved’ Benidorm star Elsie Kelly dies aged 89 after short illness

Benidorm star Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89 after a career that spanned five decades.

The actress, who has appeared in various different shows, is best known for playing the on-screen mum Noreen to Johnny Vegas’ character Geoff for more than a decade on the ITV series.

Kelly’s agent, Michelle Sykes, confirmed that she died ‘peacefully’ after a ‘short illness’.

A statement read: ‘She passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2026 at the age of 89.

‘With a career spanning decades across television, theatre, and film, she most recently became a household name through her work on Benidorm…

‘Her unmistakable charm, sharp timing and gentle humour made her a fan favourite.’

Outside of her role in Benidorm, which she starred in for more than a decade, Kelly acted as Mrs Tardebigge in Crossroads.

After a long break from TV, she also went on to appear in the 1996 film Intimate Relations.

As well as this, she appeared in an episode of E4 drama Skins and played Joan the cook in the 1996 adaptation of The Famous Five.

Other appearances include Inside No. 9 and Harry & the Wrinklies.

Sharing a tribute on social media, Crissy Rock, who also starred in Benidorm, hailed Kelly as ‘an absolute joy’.

‘So sad to hear of the passing of Elsie Kelly this morning,’ she wrote.

‘We shared so many wonderful memories filming Benidorm, moments I’ll always treasure. She was an absolute joy to work with and brought so much warmth and laughter wherever she went.

‘I was so touched that she came to see me on tour a couple of times recently at St Helens Theatre Royal – it meant a lot. Thinking of her family and all who loved her. She’ll be deeply missed.’

Derren Litten, who created and wrote Benidorm which first aired in 2007, also described Kelly as a ‘comedic genius’.

Posting on X, he said: ‘So sad to pass on the news of the passing of Elsie Kelly aka Noreen in Benidorm.

‘One of the best loved characters in the show and certainly one of the most beloved cast members. Elsie’s acting abilities and comic genius were so natural they were almost taken for granted.

‘Thanks for your talent but most of all your friendship Elsie, I am very sad today but also happy to think of such a wonderful life well lived.’

The iconic sitcom Benidorm ran for 10 series across 74 episodes, finishing in 2018 when the channel pulled the plug, with original cast members having departed and ratings dipping.

Garnering an instant fanbase, the series featured the likes of Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, Janine Duvitski, Sheila Reid and Tim Healy.

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