SHERRIE HEWSON has told the Sunday Post why she reckons Benidorm has become the hottest of hits – despite it being a chilly trial for the extras.
This is now the ninth series of ITV’s hit comedy and Sherrie says its humour has proved to be a happy throwback with universal appeal.
“The success doesn’t surprise me at all,” she insists. “It’s because it’s so quintessentially British.
“The humour is like the old Carry On films. We miss that kind of thing these days.
“The humour is that seaside postcard one. You know, a little bit naughty but not so risqué that you can’t happily sit and watch it with your children and your grandma.
“You can relate to it no matter where you live. It’s actually not just a British success, they love it in America, too.”
The current series is the longest yet – nine episodes – and it was announced a few days ago that series 10 will start filming later this month.
That’ll take Sherrie, who plays Joyce Temple-Savage, Jake Canuso, Tim Healy and the rest of the cast back to Spain for several months of filming.
It’s largely shot at a studio out there but the pool scenes take place at the Sol Pelicanos hotel in the resort.
“There are two giant pools, one for the guests and the other that we use,” explains former Corrie and Emmerdale favourite Sherrie, 66.
“During the first series we filmed in November and I had to fall in the pool. It was freezing and I nearly turned blue.
“I always feel for the extras who have to be in there while we film, they must get so cold.
“Because we film there every year, the hotel is full of fans of the show who specifically book when they know we’re going to be there.
“When we shout ‘action’, they swim in the other pool and pretend to be talking to each other round about it. And when we finish they all come back to speak to us.
“We see the same faces every year and when we go and film at the nightclub hundreds of people line the streets.
“Having Benidorm filmed in Benidorm means everyone feels that it’s their show, just like Corrie in Manchester.”
Joyce has a new nemesis this series in the shape of sexy holiday rep Sam (Shelley Longworth) and also a bit of a love interest later in the run.
That’s Monty, played by former Only Fools And Horses favourite John Challis. And Madness and Dame Joan Collins are among the other stars cropping up during the series.
“Benidorm has the best reputation in the business and wherever I go people want to be in it,” says Sherrie.
“Actors, comics, presenters, it doesn’t matter, they all say, ‘Is there any way you can get me a part?’ Everyone has a great time and I’d say without a doubt it’s the best job to be in.
“The ratings are always good, the public love it and as soon as it’s announced that we’re coming back, my Twitter goes crazy.”
Sherrie’s other big commitment on TV, of course, has been Loose Women.
She’s stepped away at the moment – but says she can’t bear to be parted from the daytime show for too long.
“I had a wonderful 14 years and I miss the girls and the camaraderie.
“It was right to have a break but come the new season in September, I may well pop back again. I hope you won’t have seen the last of me.”
Sherries reckons she has worked alongside more presenters than she can remember and a host of big name guests.
Meeting Alan Alda from one of her all-time favourite series M*A*S*H* left her so star struck and tongue tied she couldn’t even speak.
But it’s her earliest-ever memory of the series that still makes her chortle
“On the very first show I ever did the leg of the stool broke and I fell backwards,” she adds. “When the camera came to me all you could see was my legs in the air and my knickers showing!”
Benidorm, ITV, Wednesday 9pm.
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