In the middle of winter it's good to know that the North East will enjoying a blast of summer in just a matter of weeks.
That's thanks to the colourful characters of TV hit Benidorm who will be in Sunderland in January to serve up a welcome slice of life from the sunshine isle.
The first ever live stage adaptation of the hit series made its debut in Newcastle in September and then embarked upon a premiere tour which will be bringing it back to the region for a run at Sunderland Empire.
And, following ITV1 's decision to axe the sitcom following a hugely successful 10 years on screen, this is set to be the last for local fans to catch up with their favourite characters.
Those dismayed at the news that the series is at an end can enjoy one final fling with the likes of Blow 'n' Go salon owner Kenneth Du Beke, played by Tony Maudsley, and lothario barman Mateo Castellanos (Jake Canuso).
The show - written by series creator Darren Litten, who has come up with an entirely new plot for Benidorm Live! - has managed to assemble several top cast members for another holiday jaunt.
The others are Adam Gillen, playing Liam; Janine Duvitski, as swinger Jacqueline; Shelley Longworth, who plays loudmouth Sam Wood and Sherrie Hewson whose character Joyce Temple-Savage is manageress of the all-inclusive Solana Hotel.
And they're being joined by Asa Elliott who regular viewers of the series will remember as Neptune’s cabaret singer.
Both the hotel - the centrepiece of the series - and Neptunes nightspot are being recreated on stage in the story which sees the holidaymakers indulge in a whole new set of escapades.
The stage set even features a pool.
Writer Derren initially teamed up with Wallsend-born producer Michael Harrison to premiere the show in the region, where it launched at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle to rave reviews, and ahead of announcing the cast he spoke to The Chronicle about how it all came about.
Now, he recalls how keen the cast were to join the project - long before they knew they would by saying goodbye to their TV roles.
"They all jumped at the chance," he said. "In 10 series of Benidorm I’ve had 180 characters who had speaking parts.
"Obviously not all of those were regulars but when people heard I was writing a live stage show I got emails from many of them telling me they were available!
"It was a very difficult choice which of the regular characters to put in the show but I let the story dictate that."
He said of result: "The stage show is like the best episode of Benidorm ever, with singing and dancing on top!
"If you watched series 10 you’ll be wondering what is the fate of The Solana Hotel and everyone’s jobs: come to see the live show and you’ll find out."
Fans can catch up with the characters early next year when Benidorm Live! will check into Sunderland Empire for one week only, from January 14-19.
Book tickets here.
