Madge Benidorm remains one of the most iconic characters in British comedy history. The mobility-scooter-riding, fag-smoking, perpetually tanned grandmother was a staple of ITV’s Benidorm for nearly a decade. Therefore, her departure from the show left fans devastated and clamouring for her return.
Behind the animal print and caustic one-liners is veteran Scottish actress Sheila Reid. At 88 years old, she continues to act. She has a distinguished career that spans over six decades. As a result, Madge remains the role that made her a household name.
Who Is the Actress Behind Madge?
Sheila Reid was born on December 21, 1937, in Glasgow, Scotland . She grew up in a military family. She also spent part of her childhood living in India .
Reid trained at the Rose Bruford College in London. She also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama . She graduated in 1958 and began her career in repertory theatre in Colchester.
In real life, Reid is the polar opposite of Madge. She is softly spoken and well-mannered. Her natural accent is refined, not northern. This contrast is a true credit to her acting abilities .
Like Shirley Henderson, Sheila Reid has proven that Scottish actresses can bring some of Britain’s most beloved television characters to life.
A Distinguished Stage Career
Long before she became Madge, Sheila Reid was a celebrated stage actress. She became an original member of the Royal National Theatre in 1963 . And She shared the stage with the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier. She played Bianca in the National’s film version of Othello, starring Olivier in the title role .
While She remained with the National for seven years. She later spent time with the Royal Shakespeare Company . Her theatre credits include The Crucible, Three Sisters, and Sweeney Todd.
“I used to just live in the world of make-believe because I wasn’t terribly keen on who I was,” she once said. Acting allowed her to escape into character roles. Interestingly, she found playing herself the hardest thing of all .
Like Avicii, Sheila found her true calling in performance. She used her craft to express herself in ways she couldn’t in everyday life.
Madge Harvey: The Role of a Lifetime
Sheila Reid first appeared as Madge Harvey in the very first episode of Benidorm on February 1, 2007 . She was part of the Garvey family, the loud, working-class group at the centre of the show. Her character was known for her sharp tongue, her love of sunbathing, and her constant criticism of her family.
Madge’s look was iconic. A deep mahogany spray tan, animal print tops, and a mobility scooter. Reid has revealed that the fake tan gets ingrained after weeks of filming. She requires “a couple of sessions of deep exfoliation” at a UK beauty salon after each series .
Despite the character’s brash exterior, Reid adores playing her. “I love her,” she has said of Madge. The role allowed her to explore comedy in a way her stage career never had .
“She’s loud and rude, but there’s something loveable about her,” Reid once explained. Madge might be difficult, but viewers always rooted for her.
Why Did Madge Leave Benidorm?
In 2015, ITV announced that Madge and the Garvey family were leaving Benidorm. They departed in the second episode of Series 7 on January 9, 2015 . In the storyline, Madge discovered she had inherited millions in America. The family planned to move to Las Vegas.
However, Madge famously told her family to “never say never” about returning to Benidorm . This left the door open for a potential comeback.
True to her word, Reid returned for the third episode of Series 8 on January 25, 2016 . Her reappearance delighted fans who had missed her infamous one-liners.
Like the Radford family, the Garvey family departure was a emotional moment for long-time viewers. Madge had become a fixture of British television.
Life on Set in Benidorm
Filming Benidorm was a unique experience for the cast. They stayed at the Sol Pelicanos hotel in the resort. Tiger Aspect Productions booked an entire floor for the cast and crew for over three months at a time .
During her time in Spain, Reid enjoyed the local culture. The first thing she did after arriving was “hit the shops and stock up on glorious fresh Spanish food” . Her husband and sister visited her during breaks in filming .
The cast and crew worked 11 days over a two-week period. They only had one week off during the entire three-month shoot. Despite the demanding schedule, Reid has said she fell in love with the area .
Unlike Tommy Mallet, who faced financial ruin, Reid enjoyed the stability of a long-running hit show that allowed her to work abroad.
Other Television and Film Roles
While Madge is her most famous role, Sheila Reid has an extensive list of other credits. She appeared in the 2012 Christmas special of Call the Midwife . And She played Clara Oswald’s paternal grandmother in an episode of Doctor Who .
She has also had roles in Casualty, The Bill, Doctors, Psychoville, and Monarch of the Glen . Her film credits include Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and the thriller Containment .
In 2015, she starred in the indie thriller Containment. She played Enid, a cardigan-clad pensioner trapped in a sealed tower block. It was a dramatic departure from the glamorous Madge .
“It was a lot easier to get ready for this role,” Reid joked, contrasting the plain cardigan with Madge’s elaborate fake tan .
Sheila Reid Net Worth
Sheila Reid net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, her long career in theatre, film and television has provided her with a comfortable retirement. Her seven-year stint on Benidorm was likely her most lucrative role.
Like Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Reid has built a lasting career in the entertainment industry. She has achieved this through talent and longevity rather than constant media attention.
Sheila Reid Husband and Family
Sheila Reid was married to her first husband, Julian Curry, from 1967 until his death in 1999 . She later married Terry Bullen in 2008 . She keeps her family life private and rarely discusses her personal relationships in interviews.
Like Anna Richardson, Reid has maintained a boundary between her public persona and her private life. She prefers to let her work speak for itself.
What Is Madge From Benidorm Doing Now?
Sheila Reid continues to act into her late 80s. While Benidorm ended in 2018 after 10 series, she has not retired. She remains active in the industry, taking on roles that interest her.
Her character Madge may have gone to America, but she left a lasting legacy. Fans still quote her classic one-liners. Her image as the fake-tanned grandmother on a mobility scooter has become part of British pop culture.
“She made me laugh out loud,” one fan wrote recently. “Madge was the best thing about Benidorm.”
There is always speculation about a possible Benidorm reunion or revival. If it happens, Sheila Reid would surely be at the top of the casting wish list.
Conclusion
Madge Benidorm, played by Sheila Reid, became a beloved figure in British comedy. Her sharp tongue, heavy fake tan, and mobility scooter made her instantly recognisable. Behind the character is a classically trained actress with an extraordinary stage career.
From sharing the stage with Laurence Olivier to making millions laugh as Madge, Sheila Reid has had a remarkable journey. Consequently, her place in television history is secure.
FAQs
How old is Madge from Benidorm?
The character Madge Harvey was written as a grandmother in her 60s and 70s. The actress Sheila Reid was in her 70s during her time on the show. She was born in 1937 and is now 88 years old.
Who played Madge in Benidorm?
Sheila Reid played Madge Harvey. She is a Scottish actress with a distinguished stage career, including work at the Royal National Theatre and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Why did Madge leave Benidorm?
In the show’s storyline, Madge inherited millions in America and the Garvey family planned to move to Las Vegas. Reid left the show in 2015 but returned for one episode in 2016.
What is Sheila Reid net worth?
Her net worth is not publicly disclosed, but she has earned a comfortable living from her decades of work in theatre, film and television.
Is Sheila Reid still acting?
Yes, Sheila Reid continues to act into her late 80s. She remains active in the industry and has appeared in projects such as Big Boys and The Power of Parker.
To Get More Entertainment Insights Click On
Tommy Mallet: The TOWIE Star Who Lost £25m and Built a New Empire
Rebecca Sarker: Emmerdale’s Manpreet and Her 25-Year Soap Journey
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt: Dancing Her Way to Fame After Dropping Her Father’s Name
Avicii Cause of Death: The Tragic Truth Behind the DJ’s Suicide
To Get More Info: Devon Buzz