‘I’m the King of Benidorm – people fly 900 miles just to party with me’
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    A British geezer dubbed "The King of Benidorm" opened up on his wild life on the Costa Blanca.

    Nigel Pope, 62, switched the grey skies and rainy weather in the UK for sun, sea and the session in Spain six years ago.

    Ever since the Cornish bloke set up life on the strip after meeting partner Nancy, he has become a local celebrity and viral sensation.

    READ MORE: 'I boarded worst flight from worst town in England to see if cheap trips are worth it'

    When he isn't pouring pints and using his gift of the gab as a barman, the so-called "King of Benidorm" is a virtual tour guide for his 46,000 TikTok followers.

    The Costa Blanca 'royalty' has even influenced Brits to fly the 900 miles to see what he and the seaside resort have to offer.

    And it's not all boozed up lads and old folk on mobility scooters – although he does hold on the odd electric powered wheeled race.

    "A bit weird at first," Nigel admitted to Daily Star when asked about his 'royal' title.

    "But, now I realise the info I give has been such a great help to people visiting.

    "Even some who come every year have seen something different because of me.

    "I am one of the first guides to show people a holiday destination in so much detail by going live every day – people can ask me questions and get answers right away.

    "They can also see Benidorm as it really is in a live environment instead of just looking at videos or seeing photos on a brochure.

    "I bring a virtual Benidorm into their homes.

    "They also call Nancy The Queen of Benidorm.

    "I met Nancy on an online dating app called Plenty Of Fish, and being a keen fisherman, I had the best catch of my life."

    He decided to move to Spain after his 30 year marriage ended and can now be seen riding on bucking broncos and clubbing until the lights come on with Nancy.

    As Nigel projects the palms and cheap booze onto the mobile screens of Brits in the gloom, he has enticed many to travel the 900 miles to get a real taste of Benidorm.

    "Many people have said that they would never have come to Benidorm," Nigel explained.

    "But after seeing me on live and watching my videos, [people] decided to come here and they all want to come back.

    "At least one couple I know of booked to come back before they left.

    "I am always having people coming up and saying hi to me, they all say good things like 'thanks for all the good places to see' and 'good restaurants to eat in' – it has made their holiday so much better.

    "One lady gave me about €20 (£17.59) in gifts on one of my Livestreams, I asked her why she sent so much.

    "She replied that she suffers from panic attacks when going somewhere new and it takes her a few days to calm down.

    "She said that after seeing Benidorm every day on my live and when she comes here for the first time, she will not lose too much time in panic mode."

    Despite singing his praises for his home of six years, Nigel understands that Benidorm attracts boozed up party hooligans.

    And it often has a 'bad name' because of it.

    But, "The King of Benidorm" wants to change that.

    While the coastal city is known for badly behaved Brits, "The King" has shown that there is more to Benidorm than messy nights out.

    "Unfortunately yes [there is a bad name], and it does happen," Nigel said when asked about Benidorm's reputation.

    "But it's normally confined to the small area in New Town, know as the British Strip and Square.

    "It's an area so small that you can avoid it and still enjoy all the rest that Benidorm has to offer.

    "I love taking friends to visit Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls, just 20 mins or so away and walking along the beachfront and sitting in the sun having an orange juice and people watching.

    "Benidorm has a very good all year round climate for being sunny and all year round entertainment going on, it is so diverse that it has something to interest everyone.

    "Whoever you are, whatever you want, you can find or do in Benidorm 24/7 all year round.

    "It doesn't matter if you are gay or straight, young or old, noisy or tranquil, party or solo.

    "You can find something that suits you, be who you are, and no one judges you for it."

    You can follow Nigel and Nancy aka The King and Queen of Benidorm on TikTok here.

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