We spent our evenings immersing ourselves in the holiday vibe, watching our fellow Brits troop off to the sun-drenched Solana Resort in Spain, ready to bask in the rays and indulge in mischief and mayhem.
Among the chaos, we got to know the pint-sized stars of these on-screen families. But it’s been a while since we last saw their iconic roles. So, what have they been up to since?
Michael Garvey
Michael Garvey, that cheeky chappie we all adored, was brought to life by the talented Oliver Stokes for a whopping seven series from 2007 to 2015. A mere whippersnapper at 10 years old, he played the mischievous offspring of Mick and Janice Garvey, not to mention the legendary grandson of the feisty Madge.
In the final episode of Benidorm, we bid farewell to young Michael as he jetted off on a family jaunt to the dazzling city of Las Vegas.
Since his Benidorm triumph, the now 25-year-old Oliver flirted with fame, appearing briefly in various popular British shows such as Heartbeat and Casualty. However, he has since turned away from the glitz and glamour, opting for a more laid-back lifestyle.
Oliver’s Instagram reveals a surprising twist. He’s cast his net into the fishing industry, owning a bait company based in the humble city of Hull. But that’s not all! The lad recently embraced fatherhood, welcoming little Archie into his world. Their bond is unbreakable as they embark on thrilling outdoor escapades and camping adventures across the glorious landscapes of the UK. In an Instagram post dripping with affection, Oliver poured his heart out, declaring young Archie as the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Aww, isn’t that just heartwarming?
Chantelle ‘Telle Garvey
Now, let’s turn our attention to Chantelle ‘Telle’ Garvey, Michael’s sassy big sister. Ah, yes, the delightful Hannah Hobley, who breathed life into the eldest Garvey sibling from 2007 to 2009.
Who can forget her captivating storyline? The bombshell revelation of her pregnancy, the mystery of the unknown father, and the arrival of baby Coolio in the second series.
During her stint on Benidorm, Hannah also graced the screens of the hit ITV series Cranford, showcasing her undeniable talent.
Sinc then however, Hannah has taken a step back from the bright lights of showbiz in recent times. But love has found its way into her life. In a tale straight out of a rom-com, Hannah spilt the beans on her Instagram page. Fiancé Nathan whisked her away to the glittering streets of New York for a grand proposal, and in August of last year, Hannah delighted fans by revealing her (real-life) pregnancy, donning the iconic bright pink tracksuit of her alter ego, Chantelle. Talk about making an entrance!
Jodie Dawson
And finally, we have the adorable Jodie Dawson, portrayed by the talented Honor Kneafsey during the show’s 2016-2017 seasons. Ah, yes, the youngest member of the Dawson clan, the fresh-faced family who ventured into the Solana hotel.
Time flies, dear friends, and our little Jodie has blossomed into a stunning 18-year-old, barely recognisable from her days as a child.
But fear not, for Jodie hasn’t abandoned the glitz and glamour of the telly. Oh no, she continues to dazzle us with her talent. Most recently, she took on the lead role of wheelchair-bound Princess Emily in the acclaimed Netflix movie franchise, A Christmas Prince. But that’s not all! You may also remember her captivating performance as June Mottershed in the beloved series Our Zoo.
It doesn’t stop there! Last year, our dear Jodie received a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Voice Actress in an Animated Movie. Her enchanting voice lent its magic to the character of Robyn Goodfellowe in the spellbinding film Walfwalkers. Truly a triumph for this rising star!