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Derren Litten: Benidorm Creator, Career and Personal Life

Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett • 2026-09-25 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

There’s a reason British holidaymakers love Benidorm—and it’s not just the sun. Derren Litten, the man behind the ITV sitcom that ran for ten series, turned a simple sketch about swingers into one of the most popular comedies of the 2000s; born on 21 December 1970 in Hull, he started as an actor before writing his way into television history.

Born: 21 December 1970 · Known for: Creating and writing the ITV sitcom Benidorm · Occupation: Comedy writer, actor, director · Awards: BAFTA nomination for Benidorm · Notable works: Benidorm, The Catherine Tate Show, The Spa, Scarborough

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Born 21 December 1970 in Hull
  • Co-wrote and appeared in The Catherine Tate Show
  • Created and wrote Benidorm, which ran for ten series on ITV
  • Earned a BAFTA nomination for Benidorm
2What’s unclear

Litten’s personal life, including whether he and Jake Canuso are a couple, has not been publicly confirmed.

3Timeline signal
  • 2004: Co-wrote The Catherine Tate Show
  • 2007: Benidorm first aired on ITV
  • 2018: Served as writer, director, executive producer and appeared on screen in Benidorm’s final series
4What’s next

No new series has been announced; Litten remains active on X and Instagram.

Here is a quick reference to Litten’s key facts.

Birth date 21 December 1970
Occupation Comedy writer, actor, director
Known for Benidorm (ITV)
Notable collaborations Catherine Tate, Jake Canuso

Personal life

What is known: Litten created the role of Mateo and cast Jake Canuso in Benidorm. Derren Litten and Jake Canuso are not publicly confirmed as a couple.

Bottom line: Derren Litten and Jake Canuso are not publicly confirmed as a couple.
What to watch

If Litten chooses to share personal details in the future, it would fill one of the biggest gaps in his public profile.

The pattern: Litten’s private life remains separate from his professional work.

What is Derren Litten doing now?

He has not announced a new series since, but remains active on X and Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his past work.

His primary income sources were his writing, producing and directing roles on Benidorm and other shows.

Beyond Benidorm and The Catherine Tate Show, Litten wrote and appeared in The Spa (2013) and directed episodes of Benidorm and a documentary special, Benidorm: Ten Years On Holiday.

Tip

For the most reliable updates, follow Litten on X and Instagram.

The takeaway: Litten continues to work in television comedy, with a substantial behind-the-camera career.

Did Derren Litten appear in Benidorm?

He appeared as background characters and minor roles, though his main contribution was behind the camera as writer, creator, and executive producer. In Series 10 he also served as director.

Derren Litten Catherine Tate

Before Benidorm, Litten co-wrote two series of The Catherine Tate Show and appeared in the 2005 Christmas special.

What is Mateo from Benidorm doing now?

Jake Canuso, who played Mateo, speaks Spanish fluently, a skill he showcased throughout Benidorm.

Bottom line: Jake Canuso speaks Spanish fluently, a skill he showcased throughout Benidorm. His post-Benidorm career has been quieter but he remains a fan favourite.

The implication: Litten has continued to be involved in the comedy world, even as his on-screen appearances remain selective.

Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett

About the author

Freddie Arthur Davies Bennett

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.