Elsie Kelly obit

LEGEND GONE 

Elsie Kelly dead: Star of ITV sitcom Benidorm passes away aged 89 after five-decade career as tributes pour in

 She was not on the list.

BENIDORM star Elsie Kelly has died aged 89 – as her devastated co-stars lead touching tributes to the actress.

Elsie, who played Noreen on the ITV sitcom for more than a decade, passed away “surrounded by her family” yesterday, her agent confirmed.

Aside from her role in Benidorm, Elsie has also starred in various TV roles, including playing gossipy cleaner Mrs Tardebigge in Crossroads.

And after a long break from TV, Elsie went on to appear in the 1996 film Intimate Relations.

She also appeared in an episode of E4 drama Skins and played Joan the cook in the 1996 adaptation of The Famous Five.

Her agent, Michelle Sykes, confirmed beloved actress Elsie had passed away after a “short illness”.

A statement read: “She passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2026 at the age of 89.

“With a career spanning decades across television, theatre, and film, she most recently became a household name through her work on Benidorm…

“Her unmistakable charm, sharp timing and gentle humour made her a fan favourite.

“Beyond this iconic role, she appeared in numerous British television programmes, including Inside No. 9, Harry & the Wrinklies, The Famous Five and Crossroads.”

Elsie played Noreen Maltby and, in series 10, she even played Noreen’s identical twin sister Doreen in a dual role.

Noreen was the mother of Johnny Vegas‘ on-screen character, Geoff – also known as The Oracle.

Crissy Rock, who also starred in Benidorm, hailed Elsie as “an absolute joy” in a touching tribute on social media.

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.

“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.”

Derren Litten, the creator and writer of the popular ITV show, described Elsie as a “comedic genius”.

He wrote: “So sad to pass on the news of the passing of Elsie Kelly aka Noreen in Benidorm.

“One of the best loved characters in the show and certainly one of the most beloved cast members.

“Elsie’s acting abilities and comic genius were so natural they were almost taken for granted.

“Thanks for your talent but most of all your friendship Elsie, I am very sad today but also happy to think of such a wonderful life well lived.”

ITV said: “In Noreen Maltby, Elsie Kelly created one of British comedy’s best loved characters, quickly becoming a Benidorm audience favourite with an always underplayed wit and spark in her eye.

“She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Actress

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith in Inside No. 9 (2014)

Inside No. 9

8.5

TV Series

MaggieParty Guest

2015–2024

2 episodes

 

Paul Bazely, Janine Duvitski, Kate Fitzgerald, Julie Graham, Selina Griffiths, Tim Healy, Mark Heap, Sherrie Hewson, Elsie Kelly, Bobby Knutt, Tony Maudsley, Johnny Vegas, Steve Edge, Jake Canuso, Shelley Longworth, Adam Gillen, Josh Bolt, Nathan Bryon, and Danny Walters in Benidorm (2007)

Benidorm

7.6

TV Series

Noreen MaltbyDoreen

2007–2018

48 episodes

 

Brief Encounters (2016)

Brief Encounters

7.7

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Estelle

2016

1 episode

 

Peter Adamson, Jean Alexander, Johnny Briggs, Margot Bryant, and Doris Speed in Coronation Street (1960)

Coronation Street

5.6

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Mrs. Hargreaves

2011

2 episodes

 

Late Bloomers (2011)

Late Bloomers

5.7

A Grey Panther

2011

 

Occupation (2009)

Occupation

7.6

TV Mini Series

Dorothy Ferguson

2009

1 episode

 

Nicholas Hoult, Jack O'Connell, Dakota Blue Richards, Dev Patel, Kaya Scodelario, and Kathryn Prescott in Skins (2007)

Skins

8.2

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Lovely Old Lady

2009

1 episode

 

Peter Serafinowicz in The Peter Serafinowicz Show (2007)

The Peter Serafinowicz Show

8.0

TV Series

Various

2008

1 episode

 

Harry and the Wrinklies (1999)

Harry and the Wrinklies

7.4

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Aunt Florie

2000–2002

21 episodes

 

Verity-Jane Dearsley, Will Theakston, and Lee Godwin in The Ghost Hunter (2000)

The Ghost Hunter

7.3

TV Series

Mrs. Humphries

2000

1 episode

 

The Famous Five (1995)

The Famous Five

7.3

TV Series

Joan

1995–1997

25 episodes

 

Intimate Relations (1996)

Intimate Relations

6.2

Enid

1996

 

Jean Boht, Nick Conway, Ronald Forfar, Peter Howitt, Victor McGuire, and Jonathon Morris in Bread (1986)

Bread

6.3

TV Series

Lady in Street

1988

1 episode

 

Crossroads (1964)

Crossroads

4.5

TV Series

Mrs. TardebiggeMrs. Tarbridge

1979–1988

10 episodes

 

Soundtrack

Paul Bazely, Janine Duvitski, Kate Fitzgerald, Julie Graham, Selina Griffiths, Tim Healy, Mark Heap, Sherrie Hewson, Elsie Kelly, Bobby Knutt, Tony Maudsley, Johnny Vegas, Steve Edge, Jake Canuso, Shelley Longworth, Adam Gillen, Josh Bolt, Nathan Bryon, and Danny Walters in Benidorm (2007)

Benidorm

7.6

TV Series

performer: "YMCA"

2009

1 episode

 

Self

Benidorm: 10 Years on Holiday (2018)

Benidorm: 10 Years on Holiday

7.0

TV Movie

Self

2018

 

Vernon Kay in All Star Family Fortunes (2006)

All Star Family Fortunes

5.3

TV Series

Self

2011

1 episode

 

The Peter Serafinowicz Show Best Of

TV Special

Self - Jean

2008

 

Eamonn Andrews in This Is Your Life (1955)

This Is Your Life

6.4

TV Series

Self

1988

1 episode