Benidorm favourite Elsie Kelly dies as co-star pays heartfelt tribute

Benidorm favourite Elsie Kelly dies as co-star pays heartfelt tributeBenidorm star Elsie Kelly, who starred as Noreen Maltby on the long-running ITV sitcom, has passed away at the age of 89, her co-star has announced this morningCommentsTVJordan Lloyd Beck10:21, 22 Apr 2026Updated 11:16, 22 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesBenidorm star Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89(Image: Liverpool Echo)Benidorm star Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89. The actress began her career in the 1970s with appearances in the now-defunct soap Crossroads but became most widely known for her role as Noreen Maltby in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm.‌Her co-star Crissy Rock, who played hotel manager Janey Yorke on Benidorm in the years before she was replaced by Sherrie Hewson, was the first to announce the news on Wednesday morning.‌She wrote on Instagram: "So sad to hear of the passing of Elsie Kelly this morning. 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.‌READ MORE: Sherrie Hewson shares bleak Benidorm update amid reboot rumoursREAD MORE: Benidorm star is now a wedding singer after turning back on fameView 4 ImagesElsie played the on-screen mother of Johnny Vegas on the sitcom(Image: Tiger Aspect / ITV)"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."In a statement, Elsie's agent, Michelle Sykes, also confirmed the news as he said: "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." Viewers wi...