Benidorm legend Elsie Kelly dead at 89
Benidorm legend Elsie Kelly passed away following a "short illness" on Tuesday (21.04.26) at the age of 89.
Benidorm legend Elsie Kelly has died at the age of 89.
The star - who played Noreen Maltby on the ITV sitcom - passed away "surrounded by her family" on Tuesday (21.04.26) following a "short illness".
In a statement, her agent, Michelle Sykes, said: "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's Benidorm family have been left "devastated" by the acting legend's death.
Crissy Rock, 67, (Janey York) penned on Instagram: "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."
Siobhan Finneran, 59, (Janice Garvey) typed on X: "We are devastated to hear about the passing of the incredible Elsie Kelly, known to many as Noreen in #Benidorm.
"Her acting + comedy abilities were out of this world. May she Rest In Peace."
And the sitcom's creator-and-writer Derren Litten, 55, declared Elsie - whose character was the mum of Geoff (Johnny Vegas) - as a "comedic genius".
In a statement shared on X, 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.
"For someone who intially auditioned for the role of Madge (and gave an excellent reading of the part), her personality and natural warmth encouraged me to build up the part of Noreen from one or two lines in the first two episodes (initially intending to lose the character by the end of the first series) to many episodes and many series, culminating in her playing Noreen's own twin, Doreen in series 10.
"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."
Elsie started her entertainment career in the 1970s with directing musicals, including Annie, Oliver! and The Sound of Music for the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust at Liverpool Empire.
She then landed various TV roles, including Mrs Tardebigge in Crossroads, and Joan the cook in The Famous Five from 1995 until 1997.
Elsie also played Enid in the 1996 comedy film, Intimate Relations.
