Beloved Benidorm star Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89, leaving fans and colleagues devastated after a career that spanned decades across television, theatre, and film.
The actress, best known for playing the sweet yet long-suffering Noreen Maltby in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, following a short illness, surrounded by her family, her agent confirmed.
Her passing was first announced by co-star Crissy Rock, who shared a deeply emotional tribute recalling their time together on set. She said it was “so sad to hear of the passing of Elsie Kelly this morning,” adding that they had shared “so many wonderful memories filming Benidorm, moments I’ll always treasure.” She described Elsie as “an absolute joy to work with” who brought “warmth and laughter wherever she went,” and revealed how touched she was that Elsie had recently come to see her perform on tour.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the entertainment world. Siobhan Finneran said she was “devastated” by the loss, praising Elsie’s “out of this world” acting and comedic talent. Meanwhile, show creator Derren Litten reflected on how Elsie transformed what was initially a small role into one of the show’s most beloved characters. He explained that although she first auditioned for another part, her natural warmth inspired him to expand Noreen’s role across multiple series, even leading to her playing the character’s twin, Doreen, later on.
On-screen, Elsie became a fan favourite as the gentle and often overlooked mother of Geoff, played by Johnny Vegas. Her subtle humour, impeccable timing, and heartfelt performances made Noreen one of the most memorable figures in the show’s long run from 2007 until its cancellation.
Beyond Benidorm, Elsie’s career stretched back to the 1970s, with early appearances in Crossroads before roles in classic British sitcoms and films. She appeared in Bread, the film Intimate Relations alongside stars like Julie Walters and Amanda Holden, and also featured in The Famous Five as Joan the cook.
Even in her later years, Elsie remained closely connected to her Benidorm roots. Just months before her death, she hinted at a possible reunion with creator Derren Litten, delighting fans with her signature charm as she joked in a video message, “I do hope your holiday is inconclusive!”
Fans have since flooded social media with tributes, remembering her as a “very funny character” and thanking her for “many, many laughs” over the years. For many, Elsie Kelly wasn’t just an actress — she was the heart of Benidorm, a performer whose warmth and humour will live on long after her final curtain call.
