Elsie Kelly, Benidorm legend and British TV mainstay, dies aged 89

Actress Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89, it has been confirmed.

The star, who enjoyed an acting career spanning decades but was best known for her role in ITV sitcom Benidorm, passed away yesterday (Tuesday 21 April), her agent Michelle Sykes confirmed.

The agent said in a statement (via The Sun): "She passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2026 at the age of 89.

"With a career spanning decades across television, theatre, and film, she most recently became a household name through her work on Benidorm… Her unmistakable charm, sharp timing and gentle humour made her a fan favourite.

"Beyond this iconic role, she appeared in numerous British television programmes, including Inside No. 9, Harry & the Wrinklies, The Famous Five and Crossroads."

The Merseyside born actress became a familiar face on the small screen thanks to her role as cleaner Mrs Eileen Tardebigge in ITV soap Crossroads in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

She also played Joan the cook in the 1996 adaptation of The Famous Five and appeared in an episode of E4 drama Skins.

But it was for her role as Geoff Maltby's mother, Noreen Maltby, in ITV comedy series Benidorm for which the star was best known.

She appeared as a series regular from the first series in 2007 to the fifth series in 2012, and again from season 7 in 2015 to season 10 in 2018. She also played Noreen’s identical twin sister in season 10.

Other TV credits include The Ghost Hunter, Harry and the Wrinklies and Coronation Street.

Kelly also served as Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust’s resident director for 46 years, directing her first show Oliver! with the group in 1974.

She went on to direct more than 90 shows and concerts with the society before retiring in 2019.

Benidorm creator Derren Litten paid tribute to Kelly in 'Derren Litten’s Benidorm Fan Group' - a community of fans run directly by Litten.

He remembered the star as "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."

He continued: "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."

He added: "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…’"