Benidorm's 'Chantelle' looks totally unrecognisable 17 years after iconic role

It's hard to believe it's been 17 years since the much-loved British sitcom Benidorm first graced our TV screens.

The ITV comedy left Brits in stitches, featuring an array of hilarious characters - from quirky families and struggling couples to cheeky swingers - all depicting the diverse holiday-goers that descended upon the sunny Spanish resort for their summer breaks.

Created by Derren Litten, Benidorm enjoyed a successful run of 10 series, weaving tales of holidaymakers and hotel staff at the Solana resort, whose lives hilariously collided during their sun-soaked stays.

Among the memorable cast was Chantelle "Telle" Garvey, a beloved member of the chaotic Garvey family. Portrayed by actress Hannah Hobley, Telle was known for her loud, mischievous personality and quickly became a fan favourite.

Her storylines were nothing short of entertaining, with secret pregnancies and a fast-paced love affair with Geoff (played by Johnny Vegas), ensuring that Telle's escapades kept viewers riveted. Hannah won the hearts of the nation over three seasons of Benidorm, and also featured as Bertha in the BBC series Cranford.

Today, however, Hannah is almost unrecognisable compared to her days under the Spanish sun. Her Instagram posts suggest she's living a life quite different from her Benidorm days.

Long-time fans will fondly recall her comedic turns by the pool while pregnant or her penchant for velvet tracksuits. Telle's bold eye make-up and daring fashion choices were unforgettable, especially when parading around with baby "Coolio" in tow.

These days, Hannah has left behind her on-screen alter ego and undergone a stunning transformation. Now flaunting long, luscious brunette locks and a natural look, the actress is almost unrecognisable from her days as Chantelle.

Her fans are utterly captivated by her new image, praising how amazing she looks. The one thing that remains the same is Hannah herself as she embraces motherhood, often sharing snaps with her family on Instagram.

She also delights followers with throwback posts from her time on the show, which garner heaps of praise for taking fans on a trip down memory road.

Beneath one of her candid shots, one admirer posted: "Beautiful." Another said: "Oh hun - you are so beautiful."

A third shared: "Absolutely gorgeous Hannah." Meanwhile, a fourth added: "You look lovely. I love your hair."