Derren Ronald Litten, professionally known as Derren Litten, is an English television writer, actor, director, producer, author, and entrepreneur.
He is best recognized as the creator of the award-winning ITV sitcom Benidorm, alongside his writing contributions to The Catherine Tate Show and other British television productions.
| Derren Litten | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Derren Ronald Litten |
| Stage Name: | Derren Litten |
| Born: | December 21, 1970 (age 55 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality: | British |
| Ethnicity: | White British |
| Height: | 5’11 |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Mr and Mrs Litten |
| Siblings: | Russ Litten |
| Spouse: | Jake Canuso (?-2024) |
| Occupation: | Television Writer, Actor, Director, Producer, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth: | $8 million |
Early life and education
Derren Litten was born on December 21, 1970, in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. He has one brother, Russ Litten.
Litten attended Hessle High School in East Yorkshire before studying acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 1993.
Career
Derren Litten began his entertainment career as a professional magician before moving into acting after graduating from drama school.
He appeared in television productions including French and Saunders, Spaced, EastEnders, Doc Martin, and Green Wing.
In 2002, he started writing comedy after collaborating with Catherine Tate, eventually becoming a principal writer for The Catherine Tate Show, earning a BAFTA Craft Award nomination for Best New Writer.
He later created Benidorm, one of ITV’s most successful sitcoms, serving as its creator, writer, director, and executive producer across ten series.
Litten also created The Spa, wrote the revival of Are You Being Served?, created Scarborough, authored books connected to Benidorm, and opened Mateo’s Bar in Benidorm, Spain.
Awards and nominations
- BAFTA Television Craft Awards – Best New Writer (Nominee, 2005) – The Catherine Tate Show
- BAFTA Television Awards – Best Situation Comedy (Nominee, 2008) – Benidorm
Social media
- Instagram: @derrenlitten
Personal life
Derren Litten, 55 years old, was previously married to actor Jake Canuso. Their marriage ended in August 2024 following their separation in 2022. He is currently single.
Away from television, he divides his time between London and Spain, where he owns and manages Mateo’s Bar. His height is 5’11”.
Net worth
Derren Litten has a net worth of $8 million USD. His wealth comes from television writing, acting, directing, executive production, book royalties, theatre productions, licensing income from Benidorm, and revenue generated from his hospitality business in Spain.
Filmography
- Benidorm (2007–2018)
- The Spa (2013)
- Scarborough (2019)
- The Catherine Tate Show (2004–2005)
- Are You Being Served? (2016)
- Hope Gap (2019)
- Coronation Street (2022)
- Urban Myths (2020)
- Green Wing (2006)
- Doc Martin (2005)
- EastEnders (1996)
- Spaced (2001)
- French and Saunders (2004)