Benidorm Star Elsie Kelly Dies at 89

Entertainment News

Benidorm Star Elsie Kelly Dies at 89
Elsie KellyBenidormNoreen Maltby

Elsie Kelly, best known for her role as Noreen Maltby in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, has died at the age of 89. The actress enjoyed a five-decade career in show business, with notable roles in Crossroads and numerous other television series.

Elsie Kelly , celebrated for her portrayal of the endearing yet chaotic Noreen Maltby in the ITV sitcom Benidorm , has passed away at the age of 89.

The actress died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, marking the end of a remarkable five-decade career in the entertainment industry. Kelly’s decade-long performance as Noreen, the adoptive mother of Geoff Maltby (Johnny Vegas), resonated deeply with audiences. Her character, often mistaken for Geoff’s personal assistant during their Spanish holidays, was known for her cluelessness and unwavering good intentions, quickly becoming a fan favorite throughout the show’s run until its conclusion in 2018.

Beyond Benidorm, Elsie Kelly’s career spanned numerous television roles. She gained early recognition as the gossipy cleaner Eileen Tardebigge in the long-running soap opera Crossroads, a role she held until the show’s cancellation in 1988. Her versatility was further demonstrated through appearances in shows like Bread, The Famous Five, The Ghost Hunter, and the children’s program Harry and the Wrinklies.

Later in her career, she took on smaller roles in series such as Skins, The Peter Serafinowicz Show, and even Coronation Street. A particularly unique moment came when she played both Noreen and her twin sister Doreen in the final series of Benidorm, showcasing her acting range.

Her talent caught the eye of Steve Pemberton, co-creator of Inside No. 9, who remembered her fondly from his time on Benidorm and cast her in the critically acclaimed episode 'Nana's Party,' reuniting her with Siobhan Finneran. The impact of Elsie Kelly’s passing has been felt throughout the entertainment community. Derren Litten, the creator of Benidorm, described her as 'one of the most beloved cast members,' praising her natural acting abilities and comic timing.

He recounted how her initial audition for the role of Madge led him to expand Noreen’s character from a minor role to a central figure in the series. Tributes have poured in from co-stars, including Crissy Rock, who hailed her as 'an absolute joy to work with,' and Carol Challis, widow of John Challis, who remembered her as the 'dearest and kindest lady.

' Kelly’s dedication extended beyond acting; she served as the director of the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust in Merseyside for nearly five decades, retiring in 2019. Her legacy as a talented actress and a warm, generous individual will undoubtedly be remembered by all who knew and admired her work

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

DailyMail /  🏆 86. in US

Elsie Kelly Benidorm Noreen Maltby Crossroads Obituary TV Star

 

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

A.J. Brown likely to be traded to Patriots: When Eagles plan on dealing the star receiverA.J. Brown likely to be traded to Patriots: When Eagles plan on dealing the star receiverBrown appears on his way to New England
Read more »

Family of Kelly Knight seeks justice in Colombia femicide caseFamily of Kelly Knight seeks justice in Colombia femicide caseSeven years after U.S. citizen Kelly Knight was found dead in Medellín, Colombia, her family seeks international legal help, claiming the Colombian justice system has failed them. The case, investigated as a suspected femicide, has stalled since 2019.
Read more »

Clinton County commissioners terminate jail matron Ashley KellyClinton County commissioners terminate jail matron Ashley KellyClinton County commissioners have fired jail matron Ashley Kelly following felony charges and pressure from the county council.
Read more »

Patrick Stewart Found a Star Trek Episode Absurd, According to Co-StarPatrick Stewart Found a Star Trek Episode Absurd, According to Co-StarTawny Newsome interviews Star Trek cast members about their least favorite episodes, revealing that even Sir Patrick Stewart struggled with the 'Sub Rosa' episode, finding it absurd and Gothic-horror-like. Gates McFadden also expressed her disbelief upon reading the script.
Read more »

Merrill Kelly Concerns Grow in Disastrous D-backs Loss to White SoxAnother ugly loss for Arizona.
Read more »

Lorraine Kelly Recounts 'Dark Time' After Losing GMTV Job Post-Maternity LeaveLorraine Kelly Recounts 'Dark Time' After Losing GMTV Job Post-Maternity LeaveLorraine Kelly has opened up about the financial and emotional struggles she faced after being let go from GMTV following the birth of her daughter, highlighting the precarity of freelance work and the importance of working-class representation in the media.
Read more »



Render Time: 2026-04-25 08:15:57