Channel 5’s new “cosy crime” comedy drama Benidorm is Murder boasts an incredible cast and star-studded line-up of guest actors.
Created by Ian Jarvis and directed by Simon Delaney, the kicked off on July 30, 2026.
Benidorm is Murder has a packed cast of acting legends Credit: ©5 Broadcasting Limited / Photographer: Leigh Keily..Press Enquiries: press@channel5.com
John Hannah and Carolina Becquer star in the show Credit: PA
The murder mystery follows burned-out ex-detective Dennis Govan, who has traded his old life for a failing Scottish pub in the Spanish resort.
But his past catches up with him when tourists start turning up dead.
The synopsis reads: “Set in the glorious and chaotic – tribute acts, bingo queens, hen parties, sunburnt tourists and bar owners hanging on by a thread – Benidorm is Murder treats its setting as a beating heart, not as a punchline.
“Each episode delivers a fresh puzzle: clues, twists, a satisfying solution, and a corner of this febrile resort that turns unexpectedly deadly.
“Watching with exasperated admiration are sharp Spanish inspector Maria and puppy-ish young cop Jesus, who grudgingly learn to value the pair’s instincts even as they roll their eyes at their methods.
“But the deeper Dennis and Rosa dig into Benidorm’s underbelly, the more his past claws its way back.
“When an old enemy walks into The Tavern and a lock-in ends with blood on the floor, Dennis becomes the number-one suspect in a murder mystery even he might not be able to solve.”
Who is in the cast of Benidorm is Murder?
John Hannah
John Hannah as Dennis Govan Credit: PA
Scottish actor leads the cast as Dennis Govan, a disgraced former officer hiding from his failures behind the bar of his struggling tavern.
He is pulled back into detective work by new barmaid Rosa, whose enthusiasm for classic dramas soon rubs off on him.
John is best known for , The Mummy franchise, Sliding Doors, , , and Sandokan.
Carolina Becquer
Carolina Becquer as Rosa Credit: PA
stars as Rosa, an aspiring actress and crime drama superfan.
She talks her way into a bar job with Dennis before becoming involved in his investigations.
Benidorm is Murder is Carolina’s biggest role to date, having previously appeared in the 2022 Spanish 8 Years.
Ariadna Cabrol
Ariadna Cabrol (right) as DS Maria Hernandez Credit: Channel 5
Ariadna Cabrol plays sharp Spanish detective sergeant Maria Hernandez.
She watches Dennis’ amateur sleuthing with exasperated admiration before chemistry between the pair starts to develop.
Ariadna has appeared in The Innocent, A Storm For Christmas, and Iron Reign.
Brian Bovell
Brian Bovell is Archie Credit: Channel 5
Brian Bovell is Archie, a pub poet and permanent fixture at Dennis’ bar.
His working-class intellect regularly provides the insight that cracks the case.
Brian is known for roles in , , , , and .
Eva van der Gucht
Eva van der Gucht as Jackie Credit: Channel 5
Eva van der Gucht plays market stall holder Jackie, who always has her ear to the ground.
She’s a blunt Dutch expat who never shies away from saying what’s on her mind.
Eva starred in the -nominated film Everybody’s Famous!, and is also known for S1ngle and Oogappels.
The rest of the cast and guest stars include:
- Damian Schedler Cruz as PC Jesus Ballesteros, Maria’s young and easily flustered sidekick
- Alistair McGowan as fading game-show star Vince Starky
- as Ziggy, who runs the Benidorm Palace
- James Barriscale as stand-up comedian Frank Mann
- as a hen party’s “amazingly awful” maid of honour
- as Dennis’ ex-wife Tiff
How to watch Benidorm is Murder
You can tune in to Benidorm is Murder on Thursday nights at 9pm on Channel 5.
The six-part comedy-drama kicked off on Thursday, July 30, with new episodes broadcasting weekly all the way through to the finale on Thursday, September 3.
If you miss an episode “live” on TV, you can catch up on demand; the series is available to stream online via Channel 5’s free streaming service immediately after each episode finishes airing TV.
The full episode schedule for the six-part series is as follows:
- Episode 1: Thursday, July 30
- Episode 2: Thursday, August 6
- Episode 3: Thursday, August 13
- Episode 4: Thursday, August 20
- Episode 5: Thursday, August 27
- Episode 6: Thursday, September 3
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
