Tim Healy will return to ‘Benidorm’ next year.
The 64-year-old actor – who portrays cross-dresser Lesley in the comedy sitcom – was forced to pull out of filming mid-way through series nine earlier this year after he was struck down with a mystery illness that almost claimed his life.
But his co-stars Janine Duvitski and Tony Maudsley have confirmed he’s "on the mend" and will return for series 10.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the TV Choice Awards in London on Monday (05.09.16) night, Tony – who plays hot pants-loving hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke in the show – explained: "He was in hospital in Spain but he’s on the mend now because we know he’s coming back for series 10. Series 10 has been confirmed, Tim’s been confirmed. So he’s definitely on the mend."
However, Janine – who portrays sex addict Jacqueline Stewart in the programme – has admitted Tim looks "so different" from how he was before he fell ill in April.
She said: "I saw Tim because I’m rehearsing an episode of ‘Open All Hours’. So I saw him last week and he’s lost a lot of weight, he was really poorly. He said it’s not a good way of losing a lot of weight but he’s back working now. He’s back at work anyway. He just looks different."
Meanwhile, Tim spent four weeks in a hospital in Spain under the watchful eye of doctors because he seemed to be at death’s door, but his condition made a dramatic improvement and he was deemed stable enough to be airlifted back to the UK to continue his treatment here.
Tim Healy will return to Benidorm
