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Benidorm's Kenny Ireland dies, aged 68

Benidorm's Kenny Ireland dies, aged 68

‘Benidorm’ star Kenny Ireland has died of cancer, aged 68.

Ireland played Donald, one half of the swinger couple with wife Jacqueline.

The announcement was made by the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, where Ireland was artistic director for almost a decade.

It was revealed last month that the Scottish-born actor had developed the disease and would be written out of the next series to allow him to recover.

Kenny played swinger Donald in 'Benidorm'. (Credit: Rex)
Kenny played swinger Donald in 'Benidorm'. (Credit: Rex)



His co-star Tony Maudsley was quick to pay tribute. He tweeted, “Today we are saying goodbye to one of our beloved Benidorm Family. It's a very sad day for us all. R.I.P. Kenny x.”

ITV said, “We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on ;Benidorm’ but by the millions of fans out there. 

[Channel 4 sorry for Simpsons swearing]

“He appeared as Donald Stewart in ‘Benidorm’ from the first episode and helped play a huge part in its success. He will be greatly missed.”

Ireland was part of the hit series from its launch in 2007. His playboy character often confused fans, who expected something similar in real life.

In 2008 he said, 'Guys would come up to you in a bar and go, ‘My wife thinks it’s all for real, you know’, and he’s waiting for you to say, ‘Well it is you know’.”

As well as ‘Benidorm’, he appeared as a press baron in the original UK version of the political drama ‘House Of Cards’ and was a regular in ‘Victoria Wood As Seen On TV’.