Viewers of ITV hit Benidorm were worried the new series may well be the show’s last after reports the sitcom has been “quietly axed”.
The Sun also claimed yesterday writer Derren Litten has been scooped up by the BBC to create another seaside comedy – but set in sunny Scarborough karaoke rather than Spain.
Read more: Frustrated Benidorm viewers want to see some changes after comedy drama’s return
Bewildered fans turned to the show chief on Twitter, as well as the programme’s official account, to find out whether the story had any substance or not.
Has Benidorm been cancelled after this series?? And your doing a new comedy in Scarborough @DerrenLitten
— chantelle (@logan4thompson) March 2, 2018
@DerrenLitten noo is #benidorm having its last series?
— Nick & Katie (@Kt_and_Nick) March 2, 2018
Is Benidorm finished after this series. As in the sun it says last ever series, hope not . Cheers 🥂
— DGravener (@DGravener) March 2, 2018
Could you clarify exactly what the position is with regards to series 11 of Benidorm. Ep 1 of series 10 was fantastic!
— John Barker (@sladeforlife) March 2, 2018
And although legions of fans have called for changes to the show following Wednesday’s first episode of the tenth series, others are desperate to ensure it continues well into the future.
Thought the first episode of new series of @DerrenLitten ‘s @BenidormTVshow was superb & on brilliant form! @SherrieHewson was hilarious & it was @JakeCanuso best episode ever👍Long live #Benidorm another 10 years @ITV #itv
— ImKarlLucas (@ImKarlLucas) March 2, 2018
Just caught all new @BenidormTVshow! ITV you are CRAZY if you don’t allow series 11! Insanely funny! The show is still in demand! @SherrieHewson @JakeCanuso #Benidorm
— Tom (@tomgibson1988) March 1, 2018
@DerrenLitten @TonyMaudsley1 @JakeCanuso #benidorm cannot end. I’d miss all my favourite characters. Watching it is like having an extra holiday from dreary, snowy Britain. @BenidormUK @ITV Benidorm is comedy gold! #saveBenidorm
— Buxy (@FabBuxy) March 2, 2018
Derren initially poured profane scorn over the cancellation report, but without outright denying it.
“Don’t make me [bleep]ing laugh,” he tweeted, suggesting ‘news’ of the axe comes with every new series of Benidorm.
But then he seemed to take a more cryptic approach, paraphrasing Oscar Wilde in an apparent reference to the show’s future coming under scrutiny.
“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about”.
— Derren Litten (@DerrenLitten) March 2, 2018
ITV then told Entertainment Daily that no confirmation is available.
An ITV spokesperson told us: “Series 10 is currently on air and no decisions have been made regarding a further series.”
However, there’s an update: Derren has now replied to another worried fan and confirmed that the series has NOT been axed.
Hurrah, so those still enjoying the show can enjoy the rest of the series in peace.
Read more: Former Benidorm fave Sheila Reid teases explosive return to the hit comedy
Benidorm is on ITV, Wednesdays at 9pm.
Do you think Benidorm should be canned or would you be happy watching it for years to come? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.