The dream home where a beloved British sitcom was born is now on the market, but the reason for its sale is causing quite a stir! Derren Litten, the creative genius behind the hit TV show Benidorm, has announced he's selling his stunning Spanish villa. However, he claims a 'shameless, career gold digger' has forced his hand, leading to the heartbreaking decision to part with the property where he penned many of the show's iconic scripts.
This isn't just any house; it's the very place where Litten, 55, brought the sun-drenched antics of Benidorm to life. He shared this special home in Costa Blanca North, Alicante, with his former husband, Jake Canuso, 56, for a full decade before their split in 2022. The news of the sale and the accompanying cryptic accusation was shared by Litten on social media on February 25th.
He posted, "Would you like to buy the house where I wrote the Benidorm TV series? I love this house but thanks to a shameless, career gold digger I have to sell. As the Spanish say, No pasa nada!" This poignant message has naturally led to much speculation among fans.
But here's where it gets controversial... Many fans immediately pointed fingers at Litten's ex-husband, Jake Canuso, who played the beloved character Mateo Castellanos in the show. One fan commented, "Derren must be talking about his ex..." while another expressed disappointment, stating, "Just ruined my image of Jake."
However, not everyone is quick to judge. Some fans have come to Jake's defense, questioning the 'gold digger' label. "A shameless gold digger? Married divorced and have to split the value of your house between 2! How is that a gold digger?" one user asked. Another chimed in, "Calling your husband of 10 years a career gold digger doesn’t make any sense, 10 years is one hell of a shift to put in if so." This raises an interesting point: is it fair to label someone a 'gold digger' after a long-term relationship and divorce, especially when assets are divided as per legal agreements?
For those dreaming of owning a piece of TV history, the villa is listed for €925,000 (approximately £805,600). It boasts an impressive array of features, including a spacious private pool area complete with a terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and a bar – perfect for entertaining. Inside, you'll find a comfortable living room, a separate dining area, and three bedrooms, one of which is an ensuite. For the creative minds, there's even a dedicated office space located at the bottom of the garden.
Litten previously opened up about his divorce in 2024, sharing, "I don't really talk about my personal life here but the reason I've been a bit scarce on the socials is for the last 18 months I've been going through a pretty miserable divorce. So I'm obviously poor now. And you thought we couldn't have more in common then we already do?!"
It's worth remembering that when Derren and Jake tied the knot, they were both deeply involved in Benidorm. Derren was the mastermind behind the scripts, while Jake was the charismatic lead actor. From 2007 to 2018, Jake portrayed Mateo Castellanos, a pivotal character at The Solana hotel, and was the only cast member to appear in every single episode. His presence was so integral that a source once told The Sun that a Benidorm revival was unlikely without him, stating, "Matteo is Benidorm, he’s the character that everyone wants to see... it just would not be the same without him."
And this is the part most people miss... The personal lives of creators and actors can profoundly impact the future of beloved shows. The divorce between Litten and Canuso has reportedly cast a shadow over the possibility of a Benidorm comeback.
What are your thoughts on Derren Litten's statement? Do you believe his ex-husband, Jake Canuso, fits the description of a 'career gold digger,' or is this a harsh accusation? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
