Benidorm writer pays tribute to one of show's 'best loved characters' following death
Elsie played Noreen in the show from 2007-2018
Last updated 12 hours ago
The writer of popular TV show Benidorm has paid tribute to one of the show's 'best loved characters' following her death, aged 89. Elsie Kelly, who played Noreen from 2007 until 2018, passed away on Tuesday 21st April following a short illness.
Fans will remember Noreen as the mother of Johnny Vegas' character Geoff – with the versatile actress later playing her own twin sister, Doreen!
A statement shared by Elsie's agent has revealed she died 'peacefully' and 'surrounded by her family'.
The show's writer, Derren Litten has since taken to X to share a tribute to the actress, writing: '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. For someone who initially auditioned for the role of Madge (and gave an excellent reading of the part), her personality and natural warmth encouraged me to build up the part of Noreen from one or two lines in the first two episodes (initially intending to lose the character by the end of the first series) to many episodes and many series, culminating in her playing Noreen's own twin, Doreen in series 10.
'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.
'"We don't pay for our drinks, this holiday is inconclusive"....'
Elsie's castmate Siobhan Finneran, who played the feisty Janice Garvey, also paid tribute — writing on social media that she was 'devastated' to hear the news, and telling fan's Elsie's 'acting & comedy abilities were out of this world'.
Elsie Kelly also starred in two episodes of Coronation Street in 2011, as well as taking on many other on screen roles throughout her career. Most recently, she appeared in TV series Inside No 9.
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Terry Yorath
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Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for playing the iconic role of cab driver Charlie Slater in BBC soap EastEnders, sadly died at the age of 92 on 10th January 2026. Derek's agent Sharon Henry sharing a statement on behalf of his family, which read: "Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Trevor A Toussaint
Actor Trevor A Toussaint, best known for playing the role of Walter Deveraux on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, sadly died at the age of 65 in January. His rep confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend."
Francis Buchholz
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Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress Catherine O'Hara sadly died at the age of 71 in January, following a brief illness. The Canadian-American comedy star was well known for playing Kevin's mum in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
John Virgo
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James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek sadly died at the age of 48 in February, following a battle with bowel cancer. The family statement said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Robert Duvall
The Godfather actor Robert Duvall sadly passed away at the age of 95 in February. The Oscar-winning actor died "peacefully" at his home surrounded by "love and comfort", according to a statement by his wife Luciana Duvall.
Eric Dane
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Mike Vernon
Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie and Eric Clapton producer Mike Vernon died aged 81. His family released a statement saying: 'To the world, he was a passionate champion of the blues and a legendary record producer who helped shape so much incredible music.
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Mel Schilling
Mel Schilling, relationship expert and host of Married at First Sight in the UK and Australia, sadly died at the age of 54 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her husband shared a statement, which read: 'In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.'
Alan Osmond
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Elsie Kelly
Benidorm actress Elsie Kelly passed away on 21st April 2026, aged 89. She was best known for playing Noreen (and later her twin sister Doreen) in the hit TV series, alongside her on-screen son, Johnny Vegas, who played Geoff. Johnny paid tribute to his 'mam', calling her 'generous, talented, funny, kind and hard grafting'.
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