'Benidorm' is getting a spin-off movie.
Sherrie Hewson
The popular sitcom was axed by ITV after 10 years over the summer, but following the success of a stage production based on the show, creator Derren Litten has revealed his friend Shane Richie has encouraged him to write a film.
He told MailOnline: "Shane Richie came to see our touring show 'Benidorm Live' and said, 'That's the movie, right there.'
"I'd always declined the offer of meetings regarding a 'Benidorm' movie but the stage tour is proving so popular and the story I came up with would work so well as a film to tie up the end of the TV series we've put the wheels in motion."
And the 47-year-old director claimed there's even a "very big American movie star" who is keen to be a part of the sunsoaked saga.
He added: "We already have interest from a very big American movie star who apparently is a fan. British movies are notoriously difficult to fund but if it does happen, you can blame Shane Richie."
Derren's comments come after Sherrie Hewson, who played hotel boss Joyce Temple-Savage, recently let slip she could be returning for a big screen adventure.
She said: "There may just be a film coming.
"That's a bit of an inside scoop! It will be happening, it'll just be a bit different. But it will still be fabulous. I can't wait."
In September, 'Benidorm' won the Best Comedy honour at the TV Choice Awards and Derren joked it was "awkward" to be picking up the accolade under the circumstances.
He said: "This is a bit awkward - the show's just been cancelled. I have huge respect for ITV - a show that's getting 5.5million and still picking up awards. But they've cancelled it. That takes balls.
"It's like being sacked from your job, then being nominated for employee of the month."
Tagged in Shane Richie Sherrie Hewson