Jake Canuso talks about being back in Benidorm

Jake Canuso talks about playing Mateo and being back in Benidorm. The series series can be seen on itv on Monday nights at 9pm from January 11th.

The last time we saw Mateo he was heading to Madrid, what happened?

It was cheaper to get a return ticket! Madrid didn’t work out because he was working in a five star hotel and he admits that it’s beautiful, stylish and classy but it hasn’t got the excitement or energy of Benidorm....oh and he didn’t have any luck with the ladies!

Is he embarrassed to be back?

For about two minutes and then he’s back to being the same old Mateo.

Is there any romance for him this year?

There’s a new girl called Amber, so obviously he’s straight in there trying his luck. But she’s not having any of it. That doesn’t stop him, it never has in the past! He’s got no shame.

How’s he getting on with Lesley and Joyce?

I think the friction is still there, but there’s also a lot of love there. I think the thing about all of us working at the hotel is that we’re all outsiders in a way. If you saw us on our own we’d look weird. But they find each other and make it work. You’ll always see them bickering, but there’s huge fondness and loyalty there too.

How have the Dawsons arrival changed things on set?

There’s an excitement about them and from the start, that gets injected back into the show. The dynamics on set change and that keeps it fresh. I think that’s what gives the show longevity, it’s constantly changing. You’ve got the old characters who are familiar and the faces that are new and that’s exciting.

They are bound to get compared to the Garveys – is that unfair?

I think there will be a lot of talk on social media before the show starts. But when the viewers see them in action they’ll be really pleased. That’s the thing about Benidorm, I think the show is bigger than any of the characters. Benidorm is the star of the show, not us. It’s an exciting series and when we all had the read through there was a real buzz.

Do fans gets freaked out when they realise your accent isn’t real?

Yeah, all the time, even now they still do and I’ve done other telly and stuff, it’s strange.

What fan reactition to you get to the show?

It ’s always positive, they talk about the characters they love and scenes they have enjoyed. They’re not backwards in coming forwards and will tell you what they don’t like. The fans are very passionate about the show, they are loyal and know their stuff about the show.

What do you like most about Benidorm?

You can be anyone you want to be, nobody cares what you’re wearing whether it’s a Dior suit or Primark vest. Nobody cares what you do or where you come from. It’s not Magaluf, that’s the 18‐30’s crowd, there’s an older, family orientated feel to Benidorm, it’s very warm.

Why is the show still a success eight years down the line?

It has real heart, it has craziness, jokes and the campness, but underneath all that there is a realness to the characters. They all have their flaws and you get a glimmer of that every now and again. It’s not rammed in your face, but the characters are allowed to have flaws, they don’t have to be perfect. We’re not polished and airbrushed. I also think the time of year that the show is on is perfect as it’s cold and dark outside and you switch on your telly and see sunshine and blue skies.

The show has some great cameos doesn’t it?

Yes, they come out and never want to leave! Joan Collins is back for the third time so that says it all.

It sounds like you love it so much?

I really do, I love it.

Courtesy of itv