This is a breaking information story…
Benidorm actress Elsie Kelly has handed away (Image: ITV)
Benidorm actress Elsie Kelly has handed away aged 89, as tributes flood in for the star. Her heartbroken co-stars paid touching tributes to the gifted actress.
Kelly turned a well-recognized face on British tv throughout her long career, spending more than a decade on Benidorm, the place her portrayal of the candy however typically hilariously naïve Noreen made her a agency fan favorite. Her work prolonged far past the favored comedy, with memorable appearances in a variety of reveals through the years.
Among her earlier roles, she performed the gossipy cleaner Mrs Tardebigge in Crossroads. She additionally appeared in the 1996 movie Intimate Relations after stepping away from tv for a interval. Later, she returned to screens with components in collection such as Skins, as effectively as portraying Joan the cook dinner in the 1996 adaptation of The Famous Five.
Her agent, Michelle Sykes, confirmed the unhappy information, revealing that the actress had been unwell for a short while. In an announcement, she stated: “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.
“Beyond this iconic role, she appeared in numerous British television programmes, including Inside No. 9, Harry & the Wrinklies, The Famous Five and Crossroads.”
Tributes rapidly adopted from those that labored intently together with her, together with fellow Benidorm actress Crissy Rock, who shared her unhappiness on-line. She wrote: “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.
“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.”
Show creator Derren Litten additionally honoured her legacy, describing her as a “comedic genius”. He wrote: “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.”
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