British comedy series Benidorm, you’ll know one thing for sure: the show wouldn’t be half as legendary without its unforgettable cast. From chaotic families and outrageous holidaymakers to the long-suffering staff of the Solana Resort, the characters on Benidorm are the real reason the show became such a cult classic. First airing in 2007, Benidorm quickly became one of ITV’s biggest comedy hits, running for 10 series and winning over fans with its mix of British holiday stereotypes, laugh-out-loud moments, and surprisingly emotional storylines. Over the years, the show introduced dozens of characters — some stayed for the full run, while others appeared for a few episodes and still left a mark. In this article, we’ll explore the main characters on Benidorm, the most iconic supporting cast, and why these personalities made the Solana Resort one of the most memorable TV settings in British comedy history.
Why the Characters on Benidorm Became So Popular
Benidorm worked because it captured something painfully familiar: the classic British holiday abroad. The show’s writers didn’t just create random funny people — they created recognizable types.
You’ve probably met a “Benidorm character” in real life:
- The overly confident entertainer
- The awkward dad is trying to keep the family together
- The loud couple who treat the pool like their personal nightclub
- The barman who flirts with absolutely everyone
- The local staff who secretly run the entire place
The characters were exaggerated, yes — but never completely unrealistic. That balance is what made them feel so entertaining and rewatchable.
The Most Iconic Solana Staff Characters
The Solana Resort wasn’t just a hotel — it was basically a character itself. But the staff are what made the place feel alive.
Mateo Castellanos
If there’s one name fans instantly associate with Benidorm, it’s Mateo. The charming (and extremely flirty) barman is one of the few characters who appear throughout almost the entire series.
Mateo is confident, cheeky, and always ready with a smooth line — even when he probably shouldn’t be. His relationships, scams, and constant flirting became one of the show’s running jokes.
Mateo also represented the “holiday fantasy” many guests have — the idea that your week in Spain might involve romance, drama, and a little danger.
Janey Yorke
Before Joyce Temple-Savage took over, the Solana’s most iconic manager was Janey Yorke. Loud, brash, and hilariously inappropriate, Janey wasn’t the kind of hotel manager you’d find in real life… but she was exactly the kind you’d want on TV.
Janey’s humour was direct, her attitude was bold, and her ability to handle chaos made her a fan favourite. She also had some of the best one-liners in the entire show.
Joyce Temple-Savage
Later in the series, Joyce Temple-Savage stepped in as Solana’s manager and brought a totally different vibe. Joyce was glamorous, bossy, and full of exaggerated confidence.
Her character was perfect for the later seasons because she felt like a “bigger” personality — and by that stage, Benidorm had become more over-the-top and theatrical.
Joyce also became known for her fashion, her dramatic entrances, and her oddly affectionate relationship with the hotel’s staff.
Les / Lesley Conroy
Les Conroy is one of the most memorable characters on Benidorm, partly because he has layers. At first, Les appears as a typical working-class bloke — but later we learn about his alter ego, Lesley, and his love for performing.
Les/Lesley brought humour, warmth, and unexpected emotional moments. The character also became a symbol of how Benidorm could be silly and heartfelt at the same time.
The Garvey Family: Benidorm’s Original Holidaymakers
In the early seasons, the show’s heart was the Garvey family. They were the “ordinary” people viewers could relate to, which made the madness around them even funnier.
Mick Garvey
Mick is the classic sitcom dad: well-meaning, slightly clueless, and constantly trying to keep control of his family holiday. He has some of the funniest reactions in the show, mainly because he always seems overwhelmed by everything happening around him.
Janice Garvey
Janice is the family’s glue. She’s practical, sharp, and always trying to stop Mick from making things worse. Her chemistry with Mick was a big part of why the early seasons worked so well.
Chantelle (Telle) Garvey
Chantelle was the typical teenage daughter — moody, sarcastic, and always more interested in holiday drama than family time. Her character added a lot of realism to the early seasons.
Michael Garvey
Michael was the quieter son, often stuck in the middle of family arguments. His character gave the show a softer side, especially in the first few series.
The Fan-Favourite Holidaymakers
Benidorm wasn’t just about families. Some of the funniest storylines came from the recurring holidaymakers who felt like they were basically permanent residents of the Solana.
Gavin and Troy
Gavin and Troy are one of the most iconic couples in British sitcom history. They’re dramatic, petty, hilarious, and completely inseparable.
Their relationship brought some of the show’s best comedy moments — from their constant bickering to their obsession with appearances. Gavin and Troy also became important because they were openly gay characters written as funny, flawed people rather than stereotypes.
They were messy — but in the best possible way.
Jacqueline Stewart
Jacqueline is one of the show’s most outrageous and unforgettable characters. She’s friendly, fearless, and always ready for a new “adventure,” especially when it comes to romance.
Jacqueline’s confidence and total lack of embarrassment made her hilarious. She also became one of the show’s emotional anchors in later seasons, proving that even the wildest characters could have depth.
Noreen Maltby
Noreen is sweet, gentle, and slightly eccentric — and her presence brought a warm, comforting vibe to the show.
Her character often served as a contrast to the louder, more chaotic personalities. But she still delivered plenty of comedy, especially through her unexpected honesty and awkward timing.
Geoff Maltby (The Oracle)
Geoff, also known as The Oracle, is one of the funniest characters on Benidorm. He’s socially awkward, obsessed with fantasy, and convinced he has mystical powers.
The Oracle became famous for his strange outfits, dramatic predictions, and his knack for accidentally causing chaos. He was the kind of character who felt ridiculous — but also weirdly lovable.
Kenneth Du Beke: The King of Benidorm
If Benidorm had a mascot, it might honestly be Kenneth Du Beke.
Kenneth is flamboyant, loud, and completely unforgettable. He owns the salon and becomes one of the show’s main characters as the series progresses.
What makes Kenneth stand out is that he’s always 100% himself. He’s confident, dramatic, and has no interest in toning it down for anyone.
Kenneth also delivers some of the show’s most quotable lines — and his friendship with other characters (especially Liam) created some surprisingly touching moments.
Liam Conroy: From Awkward to Iconic
Liam starts out as a slightly awkward young man desperate for approval, especially from his dad, Les. Over time, he becomes one of the show’s most developed characters.
Liam’s humour often comes from his innocence and his desperation to fit in — but he also grows into his own person as the show goes on.
His friendship with Kenneth is one of the best relationships in the series, mixing comedy with genuine warmth.
The Dyke Family and Later-Series Chaos
As Benidorm evolved, new families replaced the Garveys, and the show leaned more into big, chaotic personalities.
The Dyke Family
The Dyke family brought loud humour, constant arguments, and a very “British holiday” vibe. They weren’t subtle — but Benidorm wasn’t trying to be subtle at that point.
The Dawson Family
The Dawsons were another later-series family, and they were pure chaos. Their storylines often felt larger-than-life, but they helped keep the show energetic and unpredictable.
Supporting Characters That Still Stole the Show
One of the best things about Benidorm is how even minor characters felt memorable.
Monty Staines
Monty, the entertainment manager, was a perfect example of someone who thinks they’re the star of the show — even when no one asked. His dramatic personality made him instantly funny.
Tiger Dyke
Tiger was one of the standout younger characters. He was loud, reckless, and often involved in ridiculous storylines.
Sam Wood
Sam was bold and confident, bringing a fresh dynamic when introduced. She became an important part of later seasons, adding new friendships and rivalries.
What Makes Benidorm Characters So Rewatchable?
Even years after the final episode, people still binge Benidorm. That’s because the characters are written in a way that makes you want to return to them.
They’re not perfect.
They’re not always likable.
But they’re entertaining, and they feel like people you might actually encounter on holiday.
Benidorm is one of those shows where you can drop into almost any episode and instantly enjoy it — because the characters are so strong.
Final Thoughts: The Best Characters on Benidorm
The reason Benidorm became such a huge success is simple: the show created an ensemble cast that felt both ridiculous and real.
From Mateo behind the bar to Kenneth in the salon, from Gavin and Troy at the pool to The Oracle predicting nonsense, the characters on Benidorm are the true stars of the series.
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