Benidorm actor Tim Healy 'flat lined' during filming of series 9
He was in intensive care for a month
Following the return of Benidorm to our screens it has emerged that actor Tim Healy was seriously ill during the filming of the ninth series (currently being shown).
According to the show's writer Derren Litten, Tim, who plays a cross-dresser called Lesley, fell ill after the filming of the third episode. Derren told a Spanish radio station,
"I got a phone call from Tim’s wife, Joan, at the hotel and she said he was unwell, doubled up in pain and can’t move."
Tim was taken to hospital where they operated on the 65-year-old actor, but it "didn't go well at all", with Derren telling how they had to resuscitate him and he was then in intensive care for a month.
During his time in hospital Tim's wife Joan and his ex-wife Denise Welch are believed to have kept a bedside vigil, with the music from his son's band, The 1975 helping him through the tough times.
As a consequence of Tim's ill health Derren was forced to rewrite the remainder of the series removing Tim's character from future episodes.
Tim has since made a full recovery and rejoined the cast of Benidorm for the 10th series of the incredibly popular TV show.
Series nine of Benidorm is shown on Wednesdays at 9pm on ITV.