Johnny Vegas dropped from ITV drama

Johnny Vegas has been axed from ‘Benidorm’, it has emerged.

The British funnyman has been written out of the ITV1 drama show – in which he played lazy lout Geoff Maltby, aka The Oracle - as bosses bring in new characters for the upcoming fourth series.

He said: "Benidorm's happening again but I won't be part of it. Unfortunately, it will be fun in the sun without us."

However, the 38-year-old comic has wished the programme – which follows the lives of working class British families on holiday in the Spanish resort - luck for the future.

He added: "It's great. The show moves on. Best of luck to them."

Johnny last appeared in ‘Benidorm’ when his character sailed into the sunset with his screen lover Chantelle Garvey (Hannah Hobley) at the end of the third series.

Bosses at ITV have praised Johnny for his commitment to the programme, but are hopeful new characters will help keep the show “fresh”.

A show source told The Sun newspaper: "Benidorm is a massive flagship show for ITV1 and they want to make sure it stays fresh.

"The new characters are going to make it more outrageous and funny than ever before. It's a shame for Johnny but he'll pop up elsewhere."

An ITV spokesman added: "The Oracle will not be returning to Benidorm this year but other new characters will be introduced.

"It has been a great pleasure working with Johnny and we thank him for his fantastic commitment to the phenomenal success of Benidorm over the past four years."