[Scarlett.]

It needed to happen to be fair, there was only so many times they could bring back the same people, the Garveys will be back though, as will the swingers

JOHNNY Vegas has been axed from ITV1 sitcom Benidorm - as bosses draft in sexy new characters for series four.

The lardy funnyman's character The Oracle sailed into the sunset with Telle Garvey (Hannah Hobley) at the end of the third season.

Sad Johnny, 38, told TV Biz: "Benidorm's happening again but I won't be part of it.

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

But he insisted he has no hard feelings about leaving the show and hinted at new roles within ITV, saying: "It's great. The show moves on. Best of luck to them."

Other characters leaving the show are Martin and Kate Weedon, played by Nicholas Burns and Abigail Cruttenden.

And now a new set of holidaymakers - including more swingers - will be drinking lager and tanning their beaks by the pool.

But fans needn't fear a complete shake-up - the rest of Telle's family the Garveys will be back, including perma-tanned, mobility scooter-riding witch Madge Barron (Sheila Reid).

And acid-tongued Madge will get an even bigger role as bosses search for new actresses to play the other seven warring daughters she always refers to.

Also being brought back is series three newcomer Tim Healey as transsexual Lesley.

Casting has also started for more swingers to join Donald and Jacqueline Stewart (Kenny Ireland and Janine Duvitski) on the sun loungers.

An insider told TV Biz: "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."

The new series of Benidorm kicks off in 2011. But fans can get a fix later this year when the show returns in a one-off special.

The Sun