A Benidorm child star shocked viewers with a recent TV appearance as he looked almost unrecognisable to his time on the ITV sitcom.

Oliver Stokes, who played Michae Garvey on the popular comedy drama, appeared on Loose Women alongside his co-star Hannah Hobley.

Their appearance on the show comes following the news that the broadcaster is resurrecting the beloved sitcom eight years after it was cancelled.

Oliver, now 26, spoke about his time on the show and filming in Benidorm as a boy, where he would spend up to three months in Spain at a time.

The actor revealed that he had a private tutor who would help him keep up with his studies for around five hours a day inbetween filming scenes.

When the series began in 2007 Oliver was just eight years old but since it ended he has chosen a life out of the limelight and become a father.

A Benidorm child star shocked viewers with a recent TV appearance as he looked almost unrecognisable to his time on the ITV sitcom (pictured L-R Steve Pemberton, Geoffrey Hutchings, Siobhan Finneran, Hannah Hobley, Oliver Stokes, Sheila Reid)

Oliver Stokes (pictured), who played Michae Garvey on the popular comedy drama, appeared on Loose Women alongside his co-star Hannah Hobley

He starred alongside Hannah, who played his sister Chantelle.

Following his appearance, according to the Mirror, fans shared their thoughts on Oliver’s changed appearance on X, formerly known as Twitter.

They said: ‘OMG Michael Garvey from Benidorm has grown into an absolutely gorgeous young man,’ and ‘I’ve never felt so old watching Loose Women after seeing the Benidorm kids all grown up.’

Earlier this month it was revealed that the creator of the show, Derren Little, was in talks with ITV to bring the show back.

Derren said: ‘Sherrie does this rumour every couple of years, and Sherrie says that the show is coming back, and she is not s*** stirring, she is hopeful because she loves the show as much as I do.’

The TV writer then goes on to basically confirm the rumour himself by saying: ‘If I say ITV have not commissioned a new Benidorm series, it is because ITV have not commissioned a new Benidorm series, up to today. Does it mean they might commission a new series in the near future? Possibly.’

The writer then taunts those on the live by adding: ‘Have I been talking to ITV in the last few months? Yes I have.’

The hilarious sitcom began in 2007 but came to an end in May 2018, and fans have been begging for more ever since.

When the series began in 2007 Oliver was just eight years old but since it ended he has chosen a life out of the limelight and become a father (pictured in 2012)

(L-R) The Garveys, Madge [Sheila Reid], Chantelle [Hannah Hobely], Mick [Steve Pemberton], Michael [Oliver Stokes] and Janice [Siobahn Finneran]

He starred alongside Hannah, who played his sister Chantelle (pictured left)

Just two months after its cancellation was confirmed, the show won best comedy at TV Choice Awards – with Derren calling out the decision in his acceptance speech at the time.

Derren’s comments about the series’ return came after the Sun has reported ITV bosses are in talks to reboot the show.   

A TV insider told the publication: ‘Benidorm was adored by millions when it was suddenly cancelled. Fans will be thrilled to hear ITV wants to bring it back.

‘An 11th series hasn’t been commissioned yet, but there’s major excitement building as early talks begin.

‘Producers have started to reach out to the show’s stars and are hopeful a decision can be made later this year.’ 

Fans were ecstatic as the news circulated online, writing: ‘Sincerely hope this is true!! Dearly missed show!’;

‘Feel like I’m dreaming. Really hope they make this happen,’; ‘Omg yay I hope they all come back!!’;

‘Ur 5 days late for april fools… or its actually real?!?! Finally ITV bringing back a INCREDIBLE Show,’;

Beloved ITV series Benidorm could be set to return to screens, eight years after it was axed, a source has told The Sun

The hilarious sitcom began in 2007 but came to an end in May 2018, and fans have been begging for more ever since

‘Omg! I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement! This is the best news ever! I really hope the Garvey’s come back!’

‘I hope so cause that would be the best birthday present every.’

The ITV Brits abroad sitcom – which followed a group of holidaymakers in the Spanish resort and their hilarious escapades – came to an end in May 2018 after 11 years, and fans have been begging for more ever since.

In 2023, show creator Derren teased a return of the beloved series as he announced that he was returning back to writing for ‘both television and theatre’.

He said: ‘I have had clear, recent indications that certain TV channels are interested in my decision and I hope you will be watching the fruits of my labour in time to come.’ 

Then, last month he sparked hope of its comeback once again when a fan asked on X: ‘@DerrenLitten @ITV Another series of Benidorm on the cards?’ and he cryptically replied: ‘Who knows…’

Announcing the news on social media that it had been axed in 2018, Derren said: ‘Crazy to think Wednesday will be the last episode of Benidorm!

‘I created the series over 11 years ago, wrote it, guest starred in it and ended up directing it. It’s difficult to think what else there is to do! Thank you for watching!’

Fans were ecstatic as the news circulated online, writing: ‘Sincerely hope this is true!! Dearly missed show!’

Actor Shane Richie waded into the debate, admitting he has disappointed by the decision to axe Benidorm after 11-years. 

Sharing a GIF with fans, he wrote:  ‘Sunday is a day of rest I refuse to get angry ….inhale,exhale Sammy , just breath you big lump of beautiful gorgeousness …F**k it !!!! Nooooooooooo !’ 

Derren had initially dismissed reports that Benidorm was being taken off air after its 10th series.

Posting on Twitter, he wrote: ‘Don’t make me f**king laugh! (I enjoyed that story after series 6. And 7 and 8 and 9…) (sic)’

He later removed the message and retweeted a series of positive fan posts.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Benidorm’ has been a huge success for ITV for a decade, but bosses feel it’s run its course.

‘The ratings have started to drop off and a number of the fan favourites have left, so it just feels as though the time is right to let it go out while it’s still on a high.

‘It has been ITV’s longest running comedy, which is a real achievement.’