Dynasty Star Joan Collins Joins Benidorm Cast

Veteran actress Joan Collins is preparing to return to the small screen to join the cast of Benidorm.

The 80-year-old former Dynasty star will take on the role of hotel guest Crystal in the forthcoming sixth series of the ITV sitcom, set in the eponymous Spanish resort.

Her character is set to make an enemy in the form of Joyce-Temple Savage, played by Sherrie Hewson.

Announcing her new project on Twitter, she told her 107,000 followers: "Looking forward to going to Spain to be in #Benidorm.

"And I'm playing Crystal, yes I am! But not the Dynasty one."

Collins shot to worldwide superstardom as Alexis Carrington Colby in that 1980s drama.

Her character's rivalries, backstabbing and betrayals with Dynasty divas Sable Colby and Krystle Carrington once gripped the nation and made her a household name.

TV bosses are said to be thrilled at having bagged the legendary actress, who is said to be a huge fan of the comedy series.

"Show bosses are over the moon to have Joan on board for series six of the show," a source told The Sun newspaper.

"In coming up with Crystal, the show's creator Derren Litten has written a brilliant character for her. It's a huge honour to have an actress of her standing join us."

Former Coronation Street actor Ken Morley, who played supermarket manager Reg Holdsworth, is also set to make a cameo in the comedy.

Other guest stars set to appear in the upcoming sixth season include the return of Matthew Kelly as Cyril Babcock, as well as former Brookside actor Philip Olivier, who will play a sexy barman to rival Jake Canuso's Mateo.

The forthcoming series of Benidorm, which includes cast members Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran and Tim Healey, is currently in production in Spain.