ITV have dropped comedian Johnny Vegas from Benidorm and replaced him with a host of new faces.

Johnny told The Sun: “Benidorm’s happening again but I won’t be part of it.

“Unfortunately, it will be fun in the sun without us.”

Martin and Kate Weedon, played by Nicholas Burns and Abigail Cruttenden are also leaving the show and will be replaced by a new set of perma-tanned holiday makers.

An insider said: “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 said: “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.”

Benidorm will be back for a full series in 2011 and a one off special later this year.