‘Vicar of Benidorm’ performs his final ceremony

WHEN Colin Wainwright and Angel Perez Martin met and fell in love, they decided to have an outrageously camp commitment ceremony on May 13 – and chose the ‘Vicar of Benidorm’ to perform a blessing at the Company Bar in the Old Town.

The fabulous occasion also served as a farewell party for the ‘vicar’ – Gary Brown and his partner of of 26 years, Michael Beddow.

Together the couple ran the renowned Rich Bitch Showbar – which starred in ITV’s ‘Benidorm’ and BBC’s ‘Escape to the Sun’ – for more than two decades, but sadly they had to close the business this spring.

They are returning to the UK Blackpool to operate an hotel in Blackpool.

For 21 years, Rich Bitch was one of Benidorm’s most popular nightspots where Brown, aka Miss Jordan Rivers, together with a bevy of drag queens, entertained tens of thousands of tourists and locals.

In March, Michael and Gary posted on Facebook : ‘Dear Friends and customers it is with a very sad heart that we inform you that The Rich Bitch Showbar has now closed.

‘After over 20 years as one of the leading drag shows in Benidorm we have had the most wonderful time here and made the most fabulous friends and wonderful memories.

‘We want to thank each and every one of you for your love and support over the years and for making our time here in Benidorm so very special.’

The combined commitment ceremony and farewell party for Gary and Michael attracted dozens of guests and developed into a a lively street party, with Company Bar providing bunting, balloons and superb buffet lunch.