Benidorm legend dies aged 89 as co-stars pay heartbreaking tribute
A Benidorm legend has sadly died as her co-stars spoke out.
www.express.co.ukShort answer: Elsie Kelly, the actress known for Benidorm, has been reported dead in April 2026 at age 89. Multiple outlets cited tributes from colleagues and her representative confirming the news.
Details and context
- Who she was: Elsie Kelly was a British actress and theatre director best known to contemporary audiences for her role as Noreen Maltby in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, as well as a long career in television and stage.[4][5]
- Confirmation and timing: Reports circulated on April 21–22, 2026, with her representative confirming she died after a short illness, surrounded by family, at age 89.[2][4]
- Notable tributes and coverage: Several outlets published tributes from co-stars and creators praising her warmth, humor, and impact on the show and broader British entertainment scene.[3][6][2]
What you might want to know next
- Full obituary details and how to honor her memory: I can compile a concise timeline of her career highlights and notable performances.
- Reactions from specific colleagues or your favorite Benidorm episodes: I can summarize tributes from particular cast members or discuss Noreen Maltby’s role in the series.
- Where to find ongoing memorial items or tributes: I can point you to reputable outlets summarizing tributes and any retrospective pieces.
Would you like a quick timeline of her career or a curated list of tributes from major outlets and colleagues? I can also search for more in-depth obituary pieces if you’d like.