THE final episode of a smash TV show will air tonight, its writer has confirmed.

Derren Litten's hit show Benidorm first hit the small screen 11 years ago.

Since then it has become a staple of weeknight viewing - with its tongue-in-cheek take on life at a Brits abroad fictional Spanish hotel.

But staff at city theatre Mayflower have confirmed the live show will still come to Southampton in 2019.

As reported the stage production Benidorm Live will play Mayflower Theatre from November 5 to 11 2018, with Mr Litten penning an all new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members

They include Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), and Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) as they swap sangria for the stage next year after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go!

But fans will be sad to see the show leave the small screen - after Mr Litten confirmed via social media that the show's last episode will air tonight.

He said: "Crazy to think Wednesday will be the last episode of Benidorm! I created the series over 11 years ago, wrote it, guest starred in it and ended up directing it. It's difficult to think what else there is to do! Thank you for watching! #MuchasGracias."

Actor Shane Richie, who has made guest appearances in the show as Sammy Valentino, also voiced his lament at the show's finale.

Last weekend he said: “Sunday is a day of rest I refuse to get angry ….inhale, exhale Sammy”, he wrote.

“Just breath you big lump of beautiful gorgeousness …. Nooooooooooo!”

Mr Litten is reported to be making a guest appearance in tonight's episode as Crystal's driver Elvis - who comes to The Solana for a job and leaves "dropping a huge bombshell" - according to the show's social media account.

ITV were contacted but had not replied at the time of going to press.

A spokesperson for the Mayflower said the show is "absolutely" still coming to Southampton.