Elsie Kelly, best known for playing dysfunctional matriarch Noreen Maltby in ITV sitcom Benidorm, has died at the age of 89.
The actress died ‘surrounded by her family’ on Tuesday, her agent confirmed, following a five-decade career in show-business.
She spent more than a decade playing Noreen in the sitcom, the adoptive mother of pub quiz champ Geoff Maltby (Johnny Vegas) who holidayed with her in the Spanish resort while telling fellow tourists he was her PA.
The beloved TV star, from Liverpool, was also well-known as gossipy cleaner Eileen Tardebigge in soap opera Crossroads, playing the role until it was cancelled in 1988.
Derren Litten, who created Benidorm, called her ‘one of the most beloved cast members’ in a tribute shared on X.
‘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
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. She would also land a role in the anthology series Inside No. 9.
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.’
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.’
