Channel 5’s Benidorm Is Murder: A Sun-Soaked Crime Drama That’s Anything but a Holiday

Channel 5 is once again heading to the Spanish coast, this time with a new six-part crime drama that promises to mix sun, sand, and suspicion. Benidorm Is Murder, which airs this Thursday at 9pm, follows former detective Dennis Govan, played by John Hannah, as he is drawn into a series of murders in the famous resort. Alongside Carolina Bécquer as Rosa, Govan finds himself investigating cases where holidaymakers, locals, and visitors all become potential suspects. It is a formula that has worked well for other popular crime dramas, but with a distinctly British twist.

Why Benidorm? A Familiar Setting for British Viewers

For decades, Benidorm has been a staple of the British package holiday. Its high-rise hotels, crowded beaches, and lively nightlife are as familiar to many as Blackpool or Brighton. By setting a crime drama here, the show taps into a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, while also exploiting the darker undercurrents that can lurk beneath the surface of any holiday hotspot. It is a clever move, one that plays on the British public’s love of both a good mystery and a bit of sun.

Tamzin Outhwaite: The Ex-Wife with a Hidden Agenda

One of the biggest names in the cast is Tamzin Outhwaite, best known for her role in EastEnders. She plays Tiff, Dennis’s ex-wife, a character who appears to have it all together but is, according to Outhwaite, searching for something more. “She has got it in her head that she deserves better. Or that she could do better,” Outhwaite said. “She sees success as what society deems as success, which is the 2.4 kids, the house, the car, the husband. I think she’s searching for that rather than searching for something in herself.”

The relationship between Tiff and Dennis is complicated, to say the least. They are forced to co-parent their daughter Carla, and their shared history means there is still plenty of emotion between them. Outhwaite hinted that Dennis’s drinking may have been a factor in their split, adding: “Her marriage to Dennis was very good for a while. It seems to me that Dennis started drinking a bit too much when they were together, and that they probably grew out of each other.” This adds a layer of depth to the drama, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

Denise Welch: From Coronation Street to Low-Rent Showbiz Queen

Denise Welch, another familiar face from British television, plays Ziggy, a character described by series creator Ian Jarvis as a “low-rent showbiz queen” and an agent in the stand-up comedy world. Jarvis, who previously worked on Death in Paradise, said Welch was perfect for the role. “Denise Welch is amazing,” he said. “Ziggy is this low-rent showbiz queen, an agent in the stand-up comedy world. Denise is also just loads of fun to be around. She loves a chat. We spent a lot of time chatting about everything.”

Welch, who appears in the show this Thursday, has a long and varied career. Soap fans will remember her as Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, while she has also starred in Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks. Away from acting, she is a regular panellist on Loose Women, making her one of the most recognisable faces on daytime television.

Alistair McGowan: The Impressionist Turns to Crime

Comedy star Alistair McGowan also joins the cast as Vince, a character central to the second episode. McGowan became a household name thanks to The Big Impression, where his spot-on impressions of famous faces made him one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians. However, over the years, he has shown his versatility, taking on both comedic and dramatic roles. His appearance in Benidorm Is Murder is a testament to his range as a performer.

What to Expect from Benidorm Is Murder

The series follows a rotating line-up of guest stars, with each new case bringing fresh characters into the story. This format keeps the drama fresh and allows for a variety of suspects and motives. For those who enjoy a good mystery with a side of sun, Benidorm Is Murder is likely to be a hit. It airs this Thursday (6 August) at 9pm on Channel 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Benidorm Is Murder air?

The series airs this Thursday, 6 August, at 9pm on Channel 5.

Who stars in Benidorm Is Murder?

The cast includes John Hannah, Tamzin Outhwaite, Denise Welch, and Alistair McGowan, among others.

What is Benidorm Is Murder about?

The series follows former detective Dennis Govan as he investigates a series of murders in the Spanish resort of Benidorm.

Photo: Digital Spy