ITV’s Benidorm stands as one of the most iconic sitcoms to grace our screens, captivating audiences with its blend of humour and sun-soaked drama.
Spanning 10 series from 2007 to 2018, the beloved show revolved around a group of holidaymakers and staff at Spain’s Solana all-inclusive hotel. With each season, fresh faces checked in while cherished characters made their comeback.
While fans will easily recall comic talents like Steve Pemberton, Jake Canuso, Johnny Vegas and Siobhan Finneran, who became household names during the show’s heyday, many have forgotten another star who once trod the same poolside paths.
It might come as a surprise, given her dazzling career trajectory since then, but Hannah Waddingham was part of the Benidorm ensemble. She arrived during the later series, but she certainly left her mark.
The sterling actress joined the cast in 2014 for the sixth series, embodying the character Tonya Dyke – a mum brimming with confidence. However, her sole-series appearance had slipped under the radar for many until a surge of old clips on TikTok jogged memories.
Fans have been left stunned since rediscovering her past stint as a Benidorm regular. Some people totally forgot she took on the role.
One viewer couldn’t hide their astonishment, writing: “I forgot she was in Benidorm.” Another exclaimed: “I need her in the next season of White Lotus.”
A third fan chimed in, adding: “I knew she looked familiar.” Meanwhile, another viewer had to share the news with their family, saying: “I had to tell my family – they didn’t recognise her.”
Since her time in Benidorm, the actress’s career has taken off, with notable success as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso from 2020 to 2023. She has continued to keep a busy schedule with recent appearances in the series Tom Jones and as the narrator’s voice in Tiddler.
Her film roles have included Hocus Pocus 2, The Fall Guy and voicing Jinx in The Garfield Movie. Now 50, the actress has also had a prominent presence in theatre, taking on roles in productions like Spamalot, Into The Woods and The Wizard of Oz.
Additionally, she performed in Kiss Me, Kate from 2012 to 2013.
