Benidorm Star Stuns Fans with New Look and Romance with Former Co-Star

Adam Gillen, best known for his role as Liam Conroy in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm, looks completely transformed from the fresh-faced, red-haired young man fans remember. Gillen portrayed Liam, a lovable maintenance worker who aspired to a career at the Blow ‘n’ Go Salon, from 2011 until the show’s conclusion in 2018, reported by the Daily Mail.

Joining the series in its fourth season, Liam originally arrived at the Spanish seaside resort as a tourist visiting his father, Les Conroy, played by Tim Healy. Over the years, his character became a fan favorite on the comedy, which aired from 2007 to 2018.

Since his time on Benidorm, Adam has taken on a variety of roles, including appearances in Oliver Twist, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Fresh Meat, and Prisoners’ Wives. Most recently, he starred in the BBC thriller series Boat Story alongside Joanna Scanlan. Currently, he’s captivating audiences as The Emcee in the West End production of Cabaret.

Now 39, Adam looks strikingly different from his Benidorm days. He’s dyed his hair blonde for his latest role and has even sported a blonde beard in the past. His transformation has surprised many fans who fondly remember his signature red locks and youthful look.

Off-screen, Adam is happily engaged to his former Benidorm co-star Laila Zaidi. Laila, 31, appeared in season 10 of the sitcom as Cyd and quickly formed a bond with Adam. The couple became engaged during a holiday to Croatia last year, with Laila sharing the joyous news on Instagram: “A whole week of being a diiiirty flirttttyyy thirty FIANCÉ !!!!!!!”

Although Benidorm ended in 2018 after nine seasons due to declining ratings, the series remains beloved by fans. Earlier this year, Sherrie Hewson, who played Joyce Temple-Savage, expressed her hope for a revival, perhaps as a feature film. “Everybody in the world watches it now,” she said on Good Morning Britain. “I think it would be brilliant, and it would be two-and-a-half hours as opposed to half an hour. I’m up for it.”

As Adam Gillen continues to thrive in his acting career and personal life, fans of Benidorm can’t help but celebrate his evolution and hope for the day they see the iconic characters reunited on screen once more.