Benidorm creator Derren Litten teases a return of the iconic Brits abroad sitcom with tongue-in-cheek statement five years after series ended

Benidorm creator Derren Litten has teased a return of the iconic British sitcom abroad.

The ITV show – which followed a group of holidaymakers in the Spanish seaside resort and their hilarious escapades – ended in May 2018 after 11 years on our screens.

But now Derren, 53, has hinted the how could return as he shared a tongue-in-cheek statement on X on Christmas Day.

He wrote: 'I would like to take this opportunity to make a public statement.

'It was a difficult decision, but I have decided to start writing again for both television and theatre.'

The ITV show – which followed a group of holidaymakers in the Spanish seaside resort and their hilarious escapades – ended in May 2018 after 11 years on our screens

He added: “I have received recent, clear indications that certain TV channels are interested in my decision and I hope you will see the fruits of my labor in the near future.”

Derren then added a touch of humor as he signed off by saying: 'There are of course always rumors surrounding such announcements, but I would like to make it clear that my decision to retire is purely to spend less time with my family to bring.'

Derren also co-wrote The Catherine Tate Show, for which he both wrote and appeared as various characters in the first two series and the 2005 Christmas Special.

Derren confirmed in 2018 that the long-running comedy had ended after ten seasons, despite previously insisting the show would continue.

He wrote on Twitter at the time: 'Yes folks, it's true, after months of speculation I can finally confirm that Benidorm series 10 was @BenidormTVshow's LAST EVER TV SERIES.'

A source said The sun at the time: 'Benidorm' has been a huge success for ITV for a decade, but bosses feel it has run its course.

“The ratings have started to drop and some fan favorites have left, so it feels like the time is right to let it go out while it's still on a high.

'It's been ITV's longest-running comedy, which is a real achievement.'

But now Derren, 53, has hinted the how could return as he shared a tongue-in-cheek statement on X

Derren confirmed in 2018 that the long-running comedy had ended after ten seasons, despite previously insisting the show would continue (iconic Benidorm actors Siobhan Finneran who played Janice Garvey and Steve Pemberton who played her husband Mick)

But in November 2022, the show's original stars were attending a convention hosted by Derren when he appeared to hint at the possibility of a return for the show.

He was joined on stage by the original Garvey family members who appeared in the first series in 2007.

While the family left the show in series seven, actors Siobhan Finneran, Steve Pemberton, Oliver Stokes and Sheila Reid were at the convention.

Steve played his character Mick during the live event and asked Siobhan as Janice: 'Now that we've sold that lovely hotel in Las Vegas, could this be our next big adventure?'

Derren then asked: 'Did you just announce Benidorm season 11? Who the hell would watch that?'

He added: 'Ladies and gentlemen, in the worlds of Madge Garvey in series seven, episode two: “Never say never. Never say never.”

But then Siobhan poured cold water on rumors of a comeback for the hit ITV sitcom.

It comes after Siobhan (pictured) poured cold water on rumors of a comeback for the hit ITV sitcom last year

Actress Siobhan, 57, who played Janice Garvey, insisted the film would not return to screens anytime soon.

She said The sun: 'Cast and creatives met over the summer at a comedy convention for the show, and from that came some stories about a possible TV revival.

'But unfortunately that was all it was, rumours.

“You should probably never say 'never' to something this popular, but as far as I know it's never coming back.”