LAMAMIMET

Elsie Kelly was born on 7 June 1936 in England and began a career in the performing arts that spanned five decades. She directed the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust from 1974, overseeing productions such as Annie and The Full Monty in venues across the Liverpool region.

Kelly made her television debut in 1979 on the ITV soap Crossroads, playing Mrs. Tardebigge, and later appeared in series such as Bread, The Famous Five, and Harry and the Wrinklies. She became widely recognised for portraying Noreen Maltby in the ITV comedy Benidorm, a role she inhabited from the show's inception in 2007 through multiple series, even playing the character's twin sister Doreen in later episodes.

Beyond Benidorm, Kelly had guest spots on Coronation Street, Skins, and the anthology series Inside No. 9. She retired from theatre directing in 2019 but remained active on screen until her later years. Kelly passed away peacefully on 21 April 2026 at the age of 89, following a short illness, leaving a legacy of comedic talent and dedication to British television and theatre.