Actor Jake Canuso is known for playing ladies’ man Mateo Catellanos in ITV’s Benidorm, but following the show’s end he has swapped out his iconic look for a brand new one

Benidorm’s legendary barman Mateo, portrayed by the suave Jake Canuso, is barely recognisable these days, having ditched his ITV alter ego for new adventures.

Jake Canuso, famed for playing the lothario bartender Mateo Castellanos in the hit series Benidorm, has undergone a transformation that sees him worlds apart from the show. The actor graced our screens in every single one of the 74 episodes, from the very first in 2007 to the finale in 2018, becoming a staple of the Spanish resort-based comedy.

For more than ten years, Jake’s character Mateo had us in stitches with his relentless attempts to charm the ladies and his snooty attitude towards British culture.

But now, after over a decade of mixing drinks and laughs, the former professional dancer is exploring new horizons, diving into a variety of fresh endeavours. His recent roles include Tony Peroni in the TV series ‘Scarborough’ and Stewie in the television film ‘My Bad’, reports the Daily Star.

The Benidorm star looks different in real life (
Image:
@jakecanuso/Instagram)

The actor often posts gym selfies on his social media accounts (
Image:
@jakecanuso/Instagram)

Leaving behind the sunny climes of Benidorm, Jake has also traded his signature slick hairdo for a longer, more relaxed style, though he’s no less dashing.

In a striking black-and-white photo shared in August 2022, Jake showcased his damp hair falling across his face, reminiscent of a post-swim look, though likely far from the poolside antics of his past. The caption read simply: “#Justforthesakeofit.”

Promoted Stories

Jake, one year on from his life-changing experience, took to social media with a thoughtful post alongside a gym photo. He shared: “I started to imagine my life like a new book with empty pages, waiting to be written.

“But, it takes courage to open that book, see the first page empty, take a pen in your hand and fearlessly let the pen write up the first few words.

Jake poses up a storm on his Instagram account (
Image:
@jakecanuso/Instagram)

The actor appears to live a glamorous and relaxing lifestyle (
Image:
@jakecanuso/Instagram)
“But, before you know it, the page fills up, and you turn to the next page, not knowing what you will find, but you know it is your book and your pen. It is your life, that you will write.”

Guided by his passion, Jake then decided to venture into the West End to fulfil his love for theatre. His exceptional portrayal of Abanazar in Aladdin at the Rhyl Pavilion theatre, among other high-calibre plays, wowed audiences and affirmed his decision to embrace the stage.