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Benidorm is Murder star John Hannah admits filming was plagued by boozy issue

EXCLUSIVE: Benidorm is Murder could already be in line for a second series, even before the show starts. But its star John Hannah says drinking beer all days wasn't without its set-backs

[John Hannah plays ex-detective Dennis Govan]

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John Hannah plays ex-detective Dennis Govan - and the character loves a beer!(Image: Channel 5)

As Benidorm is Murder hits our screens on Thursday night, beer-swigging John Hannah revealed he had to combat a mortifying issue during filming, relentless burping mid-scene!

The Scottish star, who plays frustrated former detective Dennis Govan in C5's new comedy six-parter, is rarely seen without a glass in his hand as the bar owner puts the Spanish police to shame after heading to the hot-spot for an easy life.

The worn-out landlord is lured back into investigating when a dead body is found in a pool of a local hotel and alongside crime-obsessed barmaid Rosa, played by Carolina Becquer, he can't resist sticking his nose into the police investigation - years after being forced to hand in his badge due to a bent copper.

But filming wasn't always easy, and there were problems a-plenty along the way. John told the Mirror at a special screening this week that he loved every minute of filming... except maybe for some awkward moments with co-star Carolina.

[Benidorm is Murder starts on Channel 5 this week]

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Benidorm is Murder starts on Channel 5 this week(Image: Channel 5)

Four Weddings and The Mummy star John, 64, also revealed his character was originally meant to be from Birmingham and he wasted hours perfecting the accent before it was decided Dennis just had to be Scottish.

Everyone had a great time, it was a great script - [director] Dermot [Boyd] was hard task master! It was only since we finished that I realised he was funny," he joked.

"Like you would expect filming wasnt without its challenges. There were some major issues, some production bumps, but we managed to get through them.

[John told us all about the problems faced during filming ]

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John told us all about the problems faced during filming (Image: 5 Broadcasting Limited / Clapperboard / Juanma Bernabeu)

There were things that had to get dealt with early, but there was one that was due to me. The problem was actually the burping. I quite often had a beer in my hand. It must have been 20 a day, we tried to make it all about the beer.

"They told everyone it was alcohol free, but I don't know! You have to keep hydrated in the heat. But I would have to say something to Catalina and I would just burp. I felt like a 12-year-old!"

Although set in Benidorm, unlike the rather famous other British comedy, the resort is embraced - and not used as the punchline.

Other shows tend to create eccentricity for the sake of it," the actor, who is also known for detective roles such as DI John Rebus in Rebus and DI Jack Cloth in A Touch of Cloth, went on. "The characters just fit here, and Benidorm is a brilliant place.

[Eva van der Gucht plays Jackie]

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Eva van der Gucht plays Jackie - and she isn't the only guest star(Image: Channel 5)

It was very accepting of whatever you want to be or however you want to dress. I never felt any negative energy - from the stags, the hens or those on mobility scooters having races!

It is a beautiful place. I do tent to travel with my bike, I find it really relaxing. I loved going up in the mountains. It was a wonderful time."

Ariadna Cabrol, Brian Bovell, and Damian Schedler Cruz also star, with appearances from big names include Denise Welch, Tamzin Outhwaite, Eva van der Gucht and Alistair McGowan.

He enjoyed working with Carolina, his work-shy aspiring actress barmaid who is more interested in catching criminals than perfecting the making of the pub's toasties.

We created chemistry," the veteran said. "I dont remember her needing any re-takes. We have a spark, and theres no set formula for that. For all of the mechanics, it was effortless for her, she was fantastic to work with. We had some much for, but there was grown up silliness from the entire cast."

Benidorm is Murder has already earned encouraging reviews. So much so that conversations have already been had about a second series.

[Unlikely duo Dennis and Rosa, played by Carolina Bcquer ]

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Unlikely duo Dennis and Rosa, played by Carolina Becquer (Image: Channel 5)

Greg Barnett, who works across Factual, Factual Entertainment and Drama for C5, explained: We are looking at series two. There has been a lot of support, but yes we can say that we are developing a couple of scripts for what will hopefully be series two. We hope that becomes a reality.

John also spoke about how Dennis measures up to other actors he's played. He said: "Ive played 13 or 14 TV detectives. We counted them up. I think Dennis has got a better sense of humour than most of the characters Ive played. DI Jack Cloth in A Touch of Cloth was funny, but he didnt know it.

"There were times with this where I felt I was almost getting a little bit Cloth-like. But where Jack never knew he was being ridiculous and that was what was funny I think Dennis has a sense of humour, albeit perhaps a black sense of humour. He takes his joy where he can find it, a little bit like myself."

Benidorm is Murder comes from Death in Paradise writer Ian Jarvis, so those that enjoy the BBC hit are likely to get along with the new Channel 5 drama.

Speaking about Death in Paradise and what he's learned from working on the drama, Ian said: "Ive written three episodes of Death in Paradise and two of Beyond Paradise. What I learned is that writing these kinds of shows is harder than it looks. It is sort of like playing a game with the audience.

"You are setting them a puzzle to solve. You must play fair. You must give them every opportunity to try to solve it. You cant pull any rabbits out of hats in the final act.

"But at the same time, if they do solve it then youve lost. Doing all that in the space of one hour onscreen, in our case 50 odd minutes, and at the same time hopefully writing interesting, different guest characters and, in our case, making people laugh as well. What I learned was to play by the rules but also to be rigorous with the stories."

Benidorm is Murder starts on Channel 5 on Thursday, July 30 at 9pm.

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