'Benidorm' Star Kenny Ireland Dead Following Cancer Battle, Aged 68

'Benidorm' Actor Kenny Ireland Dies, Aged 68

Benidorm’ actor Kenny Ireland has died at the age of 68, it has been confirmed.

The Scottish actor - best known for his role as Donald, one half of the swinging couple in the comedy series - had been receiving treatment for cancer, but lost his battle on Thursday morning.

Kenny Ireland

Prior to his work in ‘Benidorm’, Kenny starred in ‘Auf Wiedersehen Pet’ and ‘Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV’.

His character, Donald, had been written out of the show prior to his death while he was being treated for the disease, having been a part of ‘Benidorm’ since its debut in 2007.

As well as his work as an actor, Kenny had been a theatre director for many years at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, who first broke the news of his death with a statement that paid tribute to him.

They said: “We are greatly saddened to learn today that Kenny Ireland, Artistic Director of The Lyceum from 1992-2003 passed away this morning.”

His co-star Tony Maudsley also paid his respects on Twitter, writing:

Kenny first landed the part of his sex-crazed character in ‘Benidorm’ after it was suggested by his wife that he audition for it, joking: “If your wife gets you a job as a swinger, is she trying to tell you something?”

Lynda Bellingham

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