Elsie Kelly, the beloved actress best known for her role as Noreen in Benidorm, has sadly passed away at the age of 89 after a brief illness. Tributes have been flooding in for the “comedic genius” whose sharp timing and warm humour made her a fan favourite on the ITV sitcom.
Elsie, who portrayed Noreen for over a decade, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her agent confirmed the news, describing her as a talented and deeply loved figure in the industry. “Her unmistakable charm, sharp timing and gentle humour made her a fan favourite,” her agent said in a statement.
Her role as Noreen, the lovable mother to Johnny Vegas’ character Geoff, became iconic in the British comedy world. Known for her wit and memorable one-liners, Noreen’s quirky personality and hilarious moments left an indelible mark on viewers. “She’s a senior citizen, not a skirting board!” and “We’re just waiting for the mobility scooter, the walking is terrible here,” were just some of the unforgettable quotes that made Noreen a standout character.
Outside of Benidorm, Elsie Kelly had a career that spanned five decades, with notable appearances in Crossroads, Skins, and The Famous Five TV adaptation. She also appeared in the 1996 film Intimate Relations and other roles including Inside No. 9 and Harry & the Wrinklies.
Her death has left a void not only in the world of television but also in the hearts of those who worked with her. Fellow Benidorm cast member Crissy Rock, who played Janey in the show, expressed her sadness, writing on social media: “So sad to hear of the passing of Elsie Kelly. She was an absolute joy to work with and brought so much warmth and laughter wherever she went.”
Benidorm creator Derren Litten also paid tribute to Elsie, calling her “one of the best-loved characters in the show” and praising her “comedic genius.” He added, “Elsie’s acting abilities and comic genius were so natural they were almost taken for granted.”
For many fans, Elsie’s role as Noreen will remain a defining part of Benidorm’s legacy, with one viewer reminiscing about a particularly emotional scene: “The scenes of her and Jeff stuck in the lift always make me teary.”
As tributes continue to pour in, the world of comedy has lost a true legend. Elsie Kelly will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on through the laughter and joy she brought to millions.
