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End of an era: Sticky Vicky's daughter retires from Benidorm's infamous X-rated act
María Aragúés Gadea steps away from the role her mother made famous, leaving fans nostalgic for the past
For decades, the name Sticky Vicky has been synonymous with Benidorm’s nightlife, but the curtain has finally fallen on one of the resort’s most infamous acts. Victoria María Aragúés Gadea, daughter of the late Sticky Vicky, has officially retired from performing, marking the end of an era for the iconic show.María had been carrying on her mother’s legacy for the past ten years, entertaining crowds across Benidorm’s well-known venues. However, in November 2024, she made the decision to step away from the role, with no official reason given for her departure.
Des Bellamy-Wright, who works at the Benidorm Palladium, confirmed the news, saying, “Sticky Vicky doesn’t work in Benidorm anymore. We have a similar fun show, ‘Carmen Snake – Sticky Show,’ which is on every night at 12.45 am.”
The announcement has left many British tourists, who regularly visit Benidorm, feeling sentimental. Paul, 51, from Ripon, West Yorkshire, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s a sad loss for Benidorm. The Sticky Vicky show has been around for years. I’ve heard she got fed up with some nights only having a few people come and see the show. Other performers, like Carmen Snake, have now taken her place.”
Fans of the show have taken to social media to share their reactions, with one person commenting, “Truly the end of an era,” while another simply said, “Game’s gone.”
Sticky Vicky, whose real name was Victoria Aragúés Gándia, passed away in 2023 at the age of 80. She originally trained as a ballet dancer before moving to Benidorm in the 1980s, where she developed her unique nude magic act. Over her 30-year career, she became a legend of the Costa Blanca’s entertainment scene, performing up to six shows a night, six days a week at her peak.
Her retirement in 2015 signalled the end of her performances, but her daughter kept the show alive for nearly a decade. Now, with María stepping down, it seems the Sticky Vicky name will no longer be part of Benidorm’s entertainment scene.
While fans may mourn the loss of an icon, the spirit of Benidorm’s late-night performances continues, with alternative shows still drawing in curious audiences. But for many, Sticky Vicky’s act remains an unforgettable piece of Benidorm’s history.Images: sticky_vicky_official/Instagram
