Benidorm Actor Jake Canuso Unrecognisable 21 Years After Surviving Tsunami

Jake Canuso, best known for his role as the flirtatious barman Mateo Castellanos in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, has undergone a notable transformation since the show ended in 2018. The Swiss-British actor, who appeared in all 74 episodes and holds the record as the longest-serving cast member, now sports longer grey hair and stubble and has been maintaining a fit physique. Before acting on Benidorm, Canuso was a professional dancer and later participated in ITV's diving show Splash! in 2013. He survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand, an experience that caused him to develop aquaphobia, but he has since resumed water-based activities. Beyond acting, Jake has expanded his career by offering personalized video messages on the celebrity platform Cameo under the catchphrase "Mateo from Benidorm at your services," receiving positive reviews with videos priced from £56. He has also performed in stage tours and pantomimes, acted in the film Fyre Rises alongside Eric Roberts, and expressed interest in joining Strictly Come Dancing.