Elsie Kelly, the actress renowned for her portrayal of the quirky matriarch Noreen Maltby in the ITV sitcom “Benidorm,” has passed away at the age of 89.
Kelly’s agent announced that she died on Tuesday, surrounded by her family, marking the end of a distinguished career in show business that spanned over fifty years.
For more than a decade, Kelly entertained audiences as Noreen, the endearing yet bewildered mother of pub quiz aficionado Geoff Maltby, played by Johnny Vegas. The character was known for her humorous holiday escapades in the Spanish resort, where Geoff amusingly masqueraded as her personal assistant.
Kelly’s portrayal of Noreen, a character both oblivious and well-meaning, endeared her to fans, particularly as the mother of both the adopted Geoff and the troubled alcoholic daughter, Pauline.
Hailing from Liverpool, Kelly was also celebrated for her role as the chatty cleaner Eileen Tardebigge in the soap opera “Crossroads,” a breakthrough role she held until the show’s conclusion in 1988.
Derren Litten, the creator of “Benidorm,” paid tribute to Kelly on social media platform X, describing her as “one of the most beloved cast members” of the show.
‘So sad to pass on the news of the passing of Elsie Kelly aka Noreen in Benidorm,’ he wrote.
‘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 initially 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 Kelly, who has died at the age of 89, as Noreen Maltby with co-star Johnny Vegas as her adopted son Geoff in ITV drama Benidorm
Elsie appeared in the show for a decade, and was hailed by its creator as ‘one of the most beloved cast members’
The cast of Benidorm in 2009 including Elsie, fourth from right. She played the role for 10 years
After appearing on Crossroads, Elsie appeared in an episode of Bread before a role in the film Intimate Relations.
She then appeared in episodes of The Famous Five and The Ghost Hunter and had a starring role in kids’ TV show Harry and the Wrinklies.
Small roles in Skins, The Peter Serafinowicz Show and Coronation Street followed before she landed her best-known role – or rather, roles, playing her own twin sister Doreen in a dual role in the final series.
She would also land a role in the anthology series Inside No. 9 after its co-creator, Steve Pemberton, remembered her from his time on Benidorm as Mick Garvey.
In the 1970s, she became the director of the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust in Merseyside, a role she held for more than 40 years before retiring in 2019 after overseeing productions at theatres across the region.
Crissy Rock, who appeared as Janey York in Benidorm, shared an image of her with Elsie as she hailed the actress as ‘an absolute joy to work with’.
‘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 said.
‘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.’
Elsie Kelly would later play a role opposite herself in Benidorm – appearing as Noreen’s twin sister Doreen in the final series
Elsie pictured with Crissy Rock, who played Janey York in Benidorm. Crissy hailed her co-star as ‘an absolute joy to work with’ today
John Challis pictured with Elsie Kelly as they filmed Benidorm. Only Fools star John’s widow Carol called her the ‘dearest and kindest lady’ in a tribute
Elsie would later appear in an episode of the BBC’s anthology series Inside No. 9 after the show’s co-creator Steve Pemberton (second from left) met her on Benidorm
The wife of Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, who appeared as Monty Staines in the final four series of Benidorm, called her the ‘dearest and kindest lady’.
Carol Shallis wrote on X: ‘Elsie has exited stage right. She was much loved by everyone and I shall miss our catch up calls. God bless you, Elsie.’
In a statement, Elsie’s agent Michelle Sykes confirmed the actress had died following a short illness.
‘She passed away peacefully, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2026 at the age of 89,’ Ms Sykes said.
‘With a career spanning decades across television, theatre, and film, she most recently became a household name through her work on Benidor
‘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.’
