Benidorm star Elsie Kelly, who played Noreen Maltby on the long-running ITV sitcom, has died at the age of 89, her co-star announced on Wednesday morning.
Co-Star Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Crissy Rock, who played hotel manager Janey Yorke on Benidorm, was the first to share the news on Instagram. She wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of Elsie Kelly this morning. We shared so many wonderful memories filming Benidorm, moments I'll always treasure. She was an absolute joy to work with and brought so much warmth and laughter wherever she went."
Rock added: "I was so touched that she came to see me on tour a couple of times recently at St Helens Theatre Royal – it meant a lot. Thinking of her family and all who loved her. She'll be deeply missed."
Career Highlights
Elsie Kelly began her career in the 1970s with appearances in the soap Crossroads. She became best known for her role as Noreen Maltby, the long-suffering mother of quizzing enthusiast Geoff (Johnny Vegas), also known as The Oracle. She appeared in Benidorm from its first episode in 2007 through series five, took a break in 2014, then returned for series seven and stayed until the show's cancellation in 2018. In one episode, she even played Noreen's twin sister Doreen.
Beyond Benidorm, she appeared in the sitcom Bread in the late 1980s, the film Intimate Relations (1996) with Julie Walters and Les Dennis, and the TV series The Famous Five (1995-1997) as Joan the cook. She also filmed two episodes of Coronation Street in 2011 as Mrs Hargreaves, who died under a hairdryer at Audrey's Salon.
Theatre Work
Earlier in her career, Kelly directed theatre productions, including musicals such as Annie, Oliver! and The Sound of Music for the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust at Liverpool Empire in the early 1970s.
Benidorm Reboot Hopes
Just months before her death, Kelly revealed she had been in contact with creator Derren Litten amid speculation of a Benidorm comeback. In a TikTok video, she said: "Hello all you holidaymakers in Benidorm! I do hope you're having a lovely time. We've just had a nice lunch with Derren and it will mean a lot to both of us. Anyway, I hope to see you soon, in Benidorm, and as Noreen would say, 'I do hope your holiday is inconclusive!'"
Fan Reactions
Fans quickly reacted to Crissy Rock's post. One wrote: "God rest her she only lived up the road from me and I've seen her a few times out and about over the years, she was a very funny character in Benidorm." Another said: "RIP Elsie thank you for the many many laughs and moments as Noreen in benidorm." A third added: "Awwww nooooooo absolutely devastated!"
Elsie Kelly is survived by her family and many friends. Her legacy as Noreen Maltby will continue to bring joy to Benidorm fans.
