ITV Benidorm’s Sticky Vicky amassed huge net worth before death, and now daughter plans to take over

Benidorm performer Sticky Vicky, known for her risqué and entertaining ‘magic shows’, has died at the age of 80, her heartbroken daughter Maria has announced today

Adult entertainer Sticky Vicky made millions performing her ‘magical act’ in Benidorm before she retired in 2016 (

Image: Facebook)

Benidorm icon Sticky Vicky made a pretty penny with her daring performances before she died at the age of 80 today.

The legendary entertainer, whose real name is Victoria María Aragüés Gadea, was renowned for her exotic dances and ‘adult magic’ shows in the holiday resort, with millions of tourists flocking to Benidorm to see her perform before she retired aged 72 in 2016, after being diagnosed with cancer.

It was announced by her family today that Vicky has died aged 80. Her devastated daughter, Maria Gadea, wrote on Facebook: “I regret these words, my mother Sticky Vicky passed away today at 6 in the morning, I can’t believe it. She has gone, surrounded by her family, with all of our love. I thank God for being able to always be by her side, I am left with a broken heart.”

Vicky’s daughter Maria loved her shows and took over from her mum a few years ago (

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Maria Gadea) Vicky reportedly made millions of pounds with her world-famous routine (

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Maria Gadea)

Earlier this year, Vicky was hospitalised after smashing her knees getting into a car. She spent a few days in hospital and was released before being swiftly returned after feeling more pain. Her cause of death is yet to be announced. Fans have honoured the performer online, praising her for ‘putting Benidorm on the map’ and calling her a ‘true legend’.

Vicky spent more than 35 years building up a cult following, with tourists travelling miles to Spain to see her world-famous routine. Since she started the show in the mid-70s, it’s estimated six million people watched her wild tricks. Her act would involve pulling objects from inside her body, including ping-pong balls, handkerchiefs, sausages and flowers.

Before Vicky retired, she performed her show six times per night, six days a week in Benidorm for three decades, and also appeared in the hit ITV show Benidorm, where she was a guest of honour at the opening of Mel’s Mobility Shop. It’s unknown how much she actually made during her time in the spotlight, though Celebrity Wiki estimates she had a net worth of £3.5 million.

Vicky, who was a trained ballet dancer, performed her last show in 2015 just days before she had a hip operation. In February 2016, she announced her retirement after being diagnosed with cancer. “I want to enjoy life now. I’ve been working since I was 11 and it’s time for a rest,” she told a Spanish newspaper. Her daughter, Maria, now 41, made the decision to follow in her footsteps.

Maria said she first watched her mum’s routine as a 14-year-old girl. “I remember she was super shy and worried about what I would think,” she told the Daily Star last year. “I told her that I loved seeing her and I liked her show.” But gossiping parents and school bullies made it hard for her in school. “Of course, a lot of parents at home would talk about my mother and [their kids] would later express it,” she said.

When Vicky retired, Maria said copycat entertainers tried to profit from her mum’s career, which inspired her to take to the stage. “I decided to do her show when everyone wanted to take advantage of her name and lie to the public about who her daughter was. My intention was to ally myself with my mother to be stronger, and shut up the liars,” she said, adding: “Whoever cannot appreciate my art, I feel sorry for them. We cannot please everyone.”