Benidorm is Murder: Guest cast of episode 2 includes stars of Waterloo Road, The Good Ship Murder, and Big Impression
Dennis investigate the suspicious death of a faded gameshow star
Benidorm is Murder continues this week with episode 2, and a fresh rota of guest stars bringing new characters to life in the Channel 5 comedy crime drama.
This week (Thursday, August 06, 2026), Dennis helps to investigate a particularly perplexing murder with multiple suspects. The crime happens at the Laughter Lounge, where faded gameshow star Vince Starky arrives, hoping to make his comeback. But, when he is found very much dead, there are several possible culprits in the frame.
There’s Vince’s latest wife, club owner Ziggy who was hoping Vince’s comeback could pay off her debts, and rival in love and career Frank Mann…
As the episode continues, Dennis uncovers suspicious clues, while Rosa unearths grudges, debts and secrets. Can they persuade reluctant María that the killer is hiding in plain sight? Here’s who plays who in the guest cast of Benidorm is Murder episode 2.
Alistair McGowan plays Vince
Worcestershire-born Alistair McGowan, 61, stars as “TV legend” presenter Vince Starky in the cast of Benidorm is Murder episode 2. Vince isn’t quite the star attraction he used to be, and sadly his “comeback” is cut short in the crime drama.
Comedy fans will know Alistair best as an impressionist. He had his own sketch show Big Impression in the 00s, alongside his real-life partner Ronni Ancona (they later split up). He’s also famous for his mimicry on Spitting Image, impersonating Trevor McDonald, Prince Charles, Terry Wogan, Prince Andrew, and Ronnie Corbett.
Between played Spock in the Tim Firth comedy drama, Preston Front, having taken over from Stephen Tompkinson. Alistair is also known as a voice-artist, writer, and producer. In 2017, he released an album of classical piano music called The Piano Album. In 2024, he published his poetry collection named Not What We Were Expecting.
More recently, he voiced David Beckham in BBC One sitcom Twenty Twenty Six.
James Barriscale portrays Frank Mann
Warwickshire-born James Barriscale, 57, stars as stand-up comedian Frank Mann in episode 2. Frank is a potential suspect, having had a ‘friendly rivalry’ with the victim for many years.
The Good Ship Murder fans will know actor James best as Captain Richard Marlowe, a role he played between
A jobbing actor of more than 30 years, James is also a voice-ver artist, and has appeared in multiple theatre productions and films including The Death of Stalin. He has also appeared in The Bill, WPC 56, EastEnders, Doctors, Hijack, and Casualty.
Denise Welch stars as Ziggy
Tynemouth-born Denise Welch, 68, portrays club owner Ziggy, who is pinning all her hopes on Vince’s comeback to get her out of debt.
Denise is an actress of more than 40 years, and a TV personality known for Loose Women. Her early roles include Polly in Byker Grove, Frances Spender in Spender, and Marsha Stubbs in Soldier Soldier.
Soap fans will know her best for playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, a role she portrayed between 1997 and 2000. She went on to portray Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks, and even popped up as Heidi in Emmerdale.
Other notable roles include Pam in Boy Meets Girl, Jackie Murphy in Down to Earth, and Doll Belvedere in Dun Brredin’. Between Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road.
Full cast list of Benidorm is Murder episode 2
John Hannah stars as Dennis in the main cast list of Benidorm is Murder.
Carolina Bécquer plays Rosa.
Ariadna Cabrol is María.
Damian Schedler Cruz stars as Jesús.
Eva Van Der Gucht plays Jackie.
Alistair McGowan plays Vince.
James Barriscale portrays Frank Mann.
Denise Welch stars as Ziggy.
Slow Horses’ Omar Shaker is Paco.
The English Game’s John Askew stars as Chris.
Bulgarian-born Davora Wilde, star of Stolen Life, plays Vienna.
Read more: Robson Green plays ‘ex-convict gambler’ opposite Liz Hall in north-east crime drama The Northumbria Mysteries on BBC One
