Benidorm's Solana barman Mateo actor Jake Canuso looks very different 6yrs on from ITV show
He is famed for his portrayal of bartender Mateo Castellanos in the hit ITV series Benidorm, but actor Jake Canuso looks worlds away from his former TV role now. Jake played the role for 11 years, appearing in every series of Benidorm from 2007 until 2018.
The 54 year old ended up being the show's longest-serving star, appearing in all 74 episodes. He acted alongside the likes of Johnny Vegas, Steve Pemberton and Sherrie Hewson.
It's been six years since Benidorm last appeared on our TV screens, and in that time, Jake has undergone a huge transformation. The star looks almost unrecognisable compared to his days playing Mateo by the pool in Spain.
He's traded in his clean-shaven look for much longer hair and stubble, and it also looks as though he's been hitting the gym. Photos shared on social media show the actor soaking up the sun abroad and working out.
Jake hasn't ditched his Benidorm role altogether however. In his latest business venture, the actor joined popular celebrity messaging platform Cameo. He sells personalised videos as his character on the site.
Jake has 102 five star reviews and advertises his videos by saying: "Mateo from Benidorm at your services." They start at £56 for a video which can be delivered within 24 hours.
Back in February, he implored his followers to buy a video from him on Valentine's Day. He penned on Instagram: "It’s nearly Valentine’s Day. Last chance to get a cheeky Valentines message from Benidorm’s Barman Mateo. Check out the link and if you book today all message will be done by tomorrow."
Prior to finding fame on Benidorm, Jake was a professional dancer for 18 years, working with big names including Rozalla, the Spice Girls, Annie Lennox and Elton John. He also appeared in videos for Alex Party's hit 90s single, Don't Give Me Your Life, as well as Carter USM's Let's Get Tattoos, 2 Unlimited's Here I Go and Kylie Minogue's Give Me Just A Little More Time.
Since Benidorm came to an end, he's become popular in pantomimes, including Aladdin in 2022 and Jack and the Beanstalk in Bradford the following year.
His last known TV role was in 2019, when he starred in Scarborough as Tony Peroni and MyBad! as Stewie. Jake also appeared in 2019 film Fork as Robert Medlow as well as a short film called Wisteria Cottage as a character named Carl.
