Benidorm creator Derren Litten marked 10 years of the popular sitcom with a heartfelt message to his cast and crew.
The writer and director was seen addressing the team behind the long-running ITV show in a special anniversary episode on Tuesday night.
Reminiscing of the first series he said he expected to get a “free holiday in Spain” and perhaps meet some new friends.
“Well Spain is now my home and I have found a family,” he said with a tear in his eye.
We've been enjoying the Benidorm sun since 2007. Before the new series starts next week, we look back over the years, and chat to some of your very favourite cast members. ☀️🍹#Benidorm– 10 Years On Holiday. Tonight 9pm @ITV @BenidormTVshow pic.twitter.com/ZzmRi6p4RV
— ITV (@ITV) February 20, 2018
The one-off documentary, which previews the sitcom’s return for a 10th series next week, saw cast members discuss their relationship with the show and their characters as well as a behind-the-scenes look around the city, led by Litten.
There were also a number of secrets revealed by the cast including details surrounding a fight between characters Kenneth Du Beke (Tony Maudsley) and Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson).
Recalling the scene, which saw Joyce punch Kenneth and send his two front teeth flying with blood pouring out his mouth, Maudsley said: “People always say, ‘How did they do that?’.”
He revealed prior to filming he had knocked his teeth out for real, adding: “By the time I came to film I was halfway through having implant surgery to have my two teeth replaced. Derren phoned me up and said, ‘Do you mind if I write it into the show?’.
“What you see me spitting out of my mouth is half a piece of chewing gum,” he said.
Litten called the past decade the “best 10 years of my life” in a message on Twitter as the documentary aired.
Watching the Benidorm documentary? You’re view is better than mine!! 🌴 (Hope you’re enjoying it, I felt quite emotional watching it the other week but then it IS the best 10yrs of my life you’re watching!). X pic.twitter.com/1dhM48M4Of
— Derren Litten (@DerrenLitten) February 20, 2018
Viewers on social media threw their support behind the writer as they looked forward to the series’ return.
@DJDaleDixon wrote: “Amazing watch tonight #Benidorm 10 years on! Thanks for the laughter @DerrenLitten you should be proud! Keep them coming.”
Just saw the behind the scenes “Benidorm” documentary. Looking forward to new series next week #Benidorm
— Peter (@Peterm1968Peter) February 20, 2018
@Sizzlewifey tweeted: “Loved watching all the old clips, ten years of laughter and tears, well done sir.”
@RieWorley wrote: “Ten years of #Benidorm was brilliant! Great to see the Garveys again. Here’s to the next 10 years. Can’t wait for next week.”
Benidorm returns to ITV on February 28 at 9pm.