Benidorm creator denies sitcom is being AXED amid declining ratings

It’s currently celebrating its tenth series having spent a decade on the air.

But amid the jubilation of Benidorm returning to screens, the creator and writer of the popular comedy series has been forced to deny that it is in fact nearing its end.

Taking to Twitter this week, Derren Litten – who has worked on the show throughout its entire run – slammed a story being published on Friday, claiming the show had been axed by ITV.

Fake news? Taking to Twitter this week, Derren Litten – who has worked on the show throughout its entire run – slammed a story being published on Friday, claiming the show had been axed by ITV

‘Apparently The Sun are running a story tomorrow on how Benidorm has been cancelled,’ he posted. ‘Don’t make me f**king laugh! (I enjoyed that story after series 6. And 7 and 8 and 9…) [sic]’

This tweet flew in the face of The Sun’s claims that ITV have give the show the chop and that it won’t return for an 11th run, largely thanks to declining ratings.

The same report insisted Litten had already abandoned the show and has signed a contract with the BBC to pen a new sitcom of the same ilk for them.

Adding a further twist, the new series is supposedly being set in Scarborough – but will centre around a similar group of characters to those in Benidorm, who reside in the seaside town.

Rather than a hotel in Spain, the new series is said to be set in a karaoke bar.

Not going anywhere: Litten marked 10 years of the popular sitcom with a heartfelt message to his cast and crew as the show returned this week

Back for more? This tweet flew in the face of The Sun ‘s claims that ITV have give the show the chop and that it won’t return for an 11th run, largely thanks to declining ratings

Before it’s return this week, show creator Litten said: ‘When I wrote the first script of Benidorm I had no idea it would change my life so dramatically over the next 10 years.

‘I am so grateful to our fans and to ITV for giving Benidorm the best possible home we could hope for. Here’s to the next 10 years!’

While he seems to think the show will in fact return for an 11th year, a TV source told The Sun: ‘Benidorm has been a huge success for ITV for a decade, but bosses feel it’s run its course.

‘The ratings have started to drop off and a number of the fan favourites have left, so it just feels as though the time is right to let it go out while it’s still on a high.

Long-standing: Stars such as Shane Richie, John Challis, The Chuckle Brothers, Nigel Havers, Claire Sweeney, Carol Decker and Tony Hadley are also set to appear and past episodes boast the likes of Joan Collins [pictured]

Back on our screens: The return of the staff and guests of all-inclusive hotel Solana drew in 4.3 million viewers this week

‘It has been ITV’s longest running comedy, which is a real achievement.’

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment and a rep for Derren Litten for comment. 

The return of the staff and guests of all-inclusive hotel Solana drew in 4.3 million viewers this week – which is a drop in 400,000 fans since this time last year.

The 10th series of Benidorm is expected to bring in the laughs as comedy duo Hale & Pace have now joined the show as undercover detectives.

Stars such as Shane Richie, John Challis, The Chuckle Brothers, Nigel Havers, Claire Sweeney, Carol Decker and Tony Hadley are also set to appear and past episodes boast the likes of Joan Collins.

Much-loved: The show has received many accolades over its decade-long run 

A decade of laughs: Benidorm is currently celebrating its tenth series having spent a decade on the air

Litten marked 10 years of the popular sitcom with a heartfelt message to his cast and crew as the show returned this week.

The writer and director was seen addressing the team behind the long-running ITV show in a special anniversary episode last Tuesday. Reminiscing about the first series he said he expected to get a ‘free holiday in Spain’ and perhaps meet some new friends when he started out.

‘Well Spain is now my home and I have found a family,’ he said with a tear in his eye. 

The one-off documentary saw cast members discuss their relationship with the show and their characters as well as a behind-the-scenes look around the city, led by Litten.

Relocation: It had been reported that Litten had already abandoned the show and has signed a contract with the BBC to pen a new sitcom of the same ilk for them. Adding a further twist, the new series is supposedly being set in Scarborough [pictured during Thursday’s snow storm]

There were also a number of secrets revealed by the cast including details surrounding a fight between characters Kenneth Du Beke (Tony Maudsley) and Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson).

Recalling the scene, which saw Joyce punch Kenneth sending his two front teeth flying with blood pouring out his mouth, Maudsley revealed prior to filming he had knocked his teeth out for real.

He explained: ‘By the time I came to film I was halfway through having implant surgery to have my two teeth replaced. Derren phoned me up and said, “Do you mind if I write it into the show?”

‘What you see me spitting out of my mouth is half a piece of chewing gum. 

Litten called the past decade the ‘best 10 years of my life’ in a message on Twitter as the documentary aired last week.