Revealed: The luxury Spanish villa Benidorm creator Derren Litten says he’s being forced to sell by a ‘shameless, career gold digger’

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The creator of the TV show Benidorm, Derren Litten, says he’s having to sell his Spanish villa because of a manipulative person who was using him for career advancement.

After splitting from actor Jake Canuso, 55-year-old Litten has decided to sell the four-bedroom house in Costa Blanca where he wrote the popular ITV comedy.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! Apparently, my absolute favorite actor was with that incredible Canuso – you know, Mateo from the show? For TEN YEARS! They actually lived together in Spain! It’s so heartbreaking, but they broke up earlier this year, in 2024. I’m still reeling!

This beautifully renovated Mediterranean villa is available for £806,173 and features lush tropical gardens with palm and cocoa trees. It boasts a large private pool with a covered terrace, plus an outdoor summer kitchen complete with a barbecue and bar, conveniently connected to the main kitchen.

Alfaz del Pi is within walking distance, and the beaches and vibrant nightlife of Benidorm – the location for Litten’s popular TV show – are only a 15-minute drive away.

On Wednesday, Litten revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the house where the TV show ‘Benidorm’ was written is for sale, and shared the contact information for the estate agent handling the property.

I really love this house, but unfortunately I have to sell it because someone was only interested in me for my career and money. Still, as they say in Spanish, ‘No pasa nada!’ – meaning, no worries, it’s okay.

The villa’s main bedroom features a private bathroom, a spacious built-in wardrobe, and opens directly onto the pool area, according to the property listing.

The home features a large living room and a distinct dining space. Two bedrooms are situated close to the entrance and share a second bathroom.

The garden includes a separate office that has air conditioning and could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom.

You’ll find five golf courses nearby, all within a 10-minute drive. One of them is Villaitana Golf, which features two 18-hole courses designed by the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Litten recently explained his lower social media presence, revealing he’s been dealing with a difficult divorce for the past eighteen months. He generally keeps his personal life private, but wanted to share this as the reason for his absence.

‘So I’m obviously poor now. And you thought we couldn’t have more in common then we already do?!’

A source at the TV network said last year that bringing back the show Benidorm might be challenging because Mateo, played by Canuso, was such a central character.

They said: ‘Mateo is Benidorm, he’s the character that everyone wants to see.

He’s been with the Solana project since it started, and it wouldn’t feel right to have a new version without him involved.

Jake is known for creating Mateo, a fan favorite on the show, but his recent issues with Derren are causing concern for his future.

Another added to The Sun: ‘Conversations have been had.

Jake will only come back if ITV makes him an offer he can’t refuse – a really substantial one.

However, Derren is complicating the negotiations. As the writer and creator of the project, he feels he should have final say on all decisions.

‘The fans would want to see Mateo, which ITV get. It’s all become one big headache.’

Benidorm first aired in 2007 and finished in May 2018, but viewers have been hoping for a revival ever since.

Only two months after it was cancelled, the show surprisingly won Best Comedy at the TV Choice Awards. Creator Rob Litten used his acceptance speech to express his disappointment with the cancellation decision.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Litten and Canuso for comment.

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2026-02-26 16:06