Elsie Kelly, Beloved Benidorm Star, Dies at 89

A Comedic Talent Who Made Benidorm Her Own

British actress Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89 following a brief illness, passing away on April 21, 2026. Kelly was best known to millions of viewers as Noreen Maltby in ITV's long-running comedy series Benidorm — one of the show's most beloved and enduring characters.

The news of her death prompted an immediate and heartfelt outpouring of tributes from colleagues, cast members, and the legions of fans who had followed her career across more than five decades in British television and theatre.

Noreen Maltby — A Character to Remember

For anyone who watched Benidorm, Noreen Maltby needs no introduction. Kelly brought the character to life with a combination of sharp comedic timing, a mischievous wit and a warmth that made her instantly likeable — even when Noreen was at her most outrageous.

The character resonated particularly strongly with British expats and regular holidaymakers on the Costa Blanca, many of whom saw something of themselves — or someone they knew — in Noreen's cheerful, unapologetic embrace of the Benidorm experience. For many, she was Benidorm.

Series creator Derren Litten paid tribute to Kelly as a "comedic genius", saying she had a natural ability to enhance every scene she was in — elevating the material and her fellow cast members in equal measure.

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Kelly's career stretched far beyond Benidorm. She built her reputation over more than fifty years in British television and theatre, with appearances in long-running series including Crossroads. Her versatility across drama and comedy allowed her to remain relevant across multiple generations of viewers — a rarity in an industry that often moves on quickly.

Fellow cast members remembered her as both a consummate professional and a warm, generous presence on set — someone who gave as much off-screen as she did on it.

What She Meant to the Spain Connection

For the hundreds of thousands of British people who live in or regularly visit Spain, Benidorm occupies a unique cultural place. The show — which ran for ten series and a Christmas special — captured something genuine about the British relationship with Spain's costas: the package holidays, the all-inclusive hotels, the familiar faces in unfamiliar heat.

Elsie Kelly was at the heart of that. Her portrayal of Noreen gave the show one of its most memorable characters and helped define a version of British life abroad that was funny, warm and entirely recognisable to its audience.

She will be greatly missed — on screen, and by the many people for whom Benidorm, both the show and the place, will always carry a little of her spirit.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 22, 2026.