The Krankies set to appear in TV show Benidorm

Children's TV stars The Krankies are to appear in Benidorm

The variety show double act - once regulars on popular children’s show Crackerjack - will appear in the sixth series of the comedy drama, to be screened early next year.

Ian and Janette Tough, the married couple behind the act, join other stars such as Joan Collins and TV chef Rustie Lee in taking guest roles.

In an interview two years ago The Krankies confessed to having a wild sex life at the height of their fame, but reined in their behaviour as they began to worry about kiss-and-tell stories emerging from their lovers.

They will play Pepe Le-Cruz and his wife Agnes, who, along with Queenie (played by Lee), are friends of Benidorm’s swinger couple Donald (Kenny Ireland) and Jacqueline Stewart (Janine Duvitski).

Hollywood actress Collins, who starred in US series Dynasty, will portray Crystal Hennesy-Vas, the chief executive of the Solana Hotel Group.

Creator of the show Derren Litten said: “I’m so excited about series six of Benidorm, probably more excited than all previous series. Apart from Dynasty series five of course - what could possibly top the Moldavian Massacre?”

The regular Garvey family will be joined by a new clan, the Dykes, headed by Clive (Perry Benson) and Tonya (Hannah Waddingham) and their two children Bianca (Bel Powley) and Tiger (Danny Walters).

Actors Matthew Kelly and Ken Morley reprise their roles.

ITV’s comedy commissioning editor, Myfanwy Moore, said: “This series promises to be the sunniest and strongest ever.”