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Remember the time Benidorm starred in a classic UK Postcode Lottery advert?

Discover the story behind the legendary British ad “Derek, we’re off to Benidorm”

The coastal resort of Benidorm is a beloved getaway destination for Brits thanks to its many British-owned pubs, shops selling UK goods and friendly hotel staff who speak English.

This ‘Little Britain’ in the sun is such a cultural landmark for Brits abroad that it features prominently in a classic television advert in the UK that still has viewers hysterical when watched to this day.

The ad is for the Postcode Lottery, an ongoing monthly subscription lottery that hands out prizes to subscribers based on where they live.

While there are plenty of new Postcode Lottery TV adverts, none quite match up to the 2010 commercial featuring Scott Quinnell and Judie McCourt meeting the winners of this lottery, who are invariably ecstatic with their win.

None were happier or caused more hilarity amongst viewers than the lady who, upon learning she had won £30,000, immediately knew she was going on a Spanish holiday.

“Derek,” she shrieks to her husband, “we’re off to Benidorm!”

This was Lynn Lucas from South Shields, whose priceless reaction turned her into a fan favourite.

Postcode Lottery presenter Judie McCourt told The Chronicle Live in 2015 the story of how that meeting with Lynn almost never happened.

“It was a really sunny day in South Shields as we had been trying to find Lynn all day,” she said. “She wasn’t at home so we eventually tracked her down at her market stall.

“When we caught up with her, she couldn’t have been more delighted to win £30,000. Lynn won with her postcode NE33 1JW and had decided to sign up to support North East charities.”

Since the video was posted on YouTube in 2012, it has racked up 69,000 views, and the ‘We’re off to Benidorm’ line has now become a catchphrase that has gone down in British cultural history as much as the Spanish city of Benidorm itself.

Image: Postcode Lottery UK

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