Benidorm' Celebrities
Julio Iglesias
It all started in 1968, On a trip to England to improve his English, Julio composed the song "La Vida sigue igual" (meaning "Life Goes on as Usual"), and used it to win the 1968 Benidorm Song Festival. This was the first step on Iglesias's way to international stardom and to this day Julio regulary packs out concert halls and theatres the world over with adoring fans.
The Park Alguiera, which runs from behind the Bull Ring (Plaza de Toros) right down to the Old Town has an open air amphitheatre dedicated to the star. this is where they hold many free shows throughout the year for the residents of Benidorm and it's visitors.
Since then Benidorm has had it's fair share of visiting celebrities. Some of whom, like Julio Iglesias actually started their very successful international careers in Benidorm. (May there's hope for Matthew and Son yet!!).
Marc Anthony (with Jennifer Lopez)
Marc Anthony, the famous Latin star headlined the Benidorm Festival in 2006. Then during the concert, his wife, a little known singer from the USA, Jennifer Lopez made an impromtu appearance on the stage in the Benidorm Bull Ring.
They probably went down the New Town to catch the late showing of Sticky Vicky's show afterwards.
Ricky Tomlinson
Ricky Tomlinson has been coming to Benidorm with his wife, Rita for many years now. They actually own a caravan in one of Benidorm's major caravan parks (behind the Ricon de Loix area).
You might think that with all that money he could afford a villa in Altea Hills instead, but true to his roots, Ricky thinks the caravan is all they need to enjoy the sun and delights of Benidorm and adds '..it would be an outrage to have it [the villa] to be standing empty, I don't mind if it's an old caravan".
Jonny Vegas
Johhny Vegas's ITV hit Benidorm brings him to Benidorm for the second year running. He is a familiar site around the many bars and clubs of Benidorm and you really can't miss him!
Jonny is said to be a 'really nice guy' and usually takes the time to speak the people in and around the bars. But it is rumoured that he enjoys a drink or two and this has got him into a few scrapes in the past!
