Adam Gillen – Biography, Wife, and West End Career
Adam Gillen is a British actor best known for his role as Liam Conroy in the ITV comedy series Benidorm. Born on 11 September 1985 in Manchester, Gillen has built a career that spans both television and theatre. In recent years, his personal life has also drawn attention, particularly his relationship with fellow Benidorm star Laila Zaidi.
Gillen’s portrayal of the cheeky holidaymaker made him a household name in the UK. But his work extends far beyond the Spanish resort: he has appeared in Channel 4’s Fresh Meat, BBC’s Prisoners’ Wives, and taken on major stage roles including Mozart in Amadeus and the Emcee in Cabaret.
As of 2026, Gillen is married to Laila Zaidi and currently performs as Thénardier in the West End production of Les Misérables. The following sections explore his career, personal life, and current status in detail.
Who is Adam Gillen’s wife?
- Born: 11 September 1985, Manchester, England
- Age: 39 years (as of 2025)
- Known For: Liam Conroy (Benidorm), Brian (Fresh Meat), Mozart (Amadeus)
- Relationship: Married to Laila Zaidi (official as of 2026)
Adam Gillen is married to Laila Zaidi, another actor who appeared in the final series of Benidorm as Cyd, Rob Dawson’s fiancée. The couple began dating in 2018, became engaged in 2023, and officially married in 2026, according to social media posts and reports from the Mirror and a Facebook announcement. Zaidi has also appeared in Ackley Bridge and Mood.
No public information confirms whether the couple have children. As of 2026, no births have been announced.
Gillen and Zaidi first met on the set of Benidorm. They kept their relationship private until the engagement was revealed by the Mirror in 2023. The wedding took place in 2026, as shown on Gillen’s Instagram.
Key insights about Adam Gillen
- Gillen is best known for his comedic role in Benidorm, but has a diverse theatre background including Les Misérables and Amadeus.
- He was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2019 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Killer Joe.
- His height is not listed in official sources; user speculation varies widely.
- He played Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2022, receiving mixed critical reviews.
- As of 2025, Gillen is active on Instagram but has not announced new television or film projects.
- He appeared on Benidorm for eight series, from 2011 to 2018.
Snapshot facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adam Gillen |
| Date of Birth | 11 September 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Manchester, England, UK |
| Occupation | Actor, Writer |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Notable Roles | Liam Conroy (Benidorm), Brian (Fresh Meat), Mozart (Amadeus) |
| Partner | Laila Zaidi (married 2026) |
| Children | Not publicly confirmed |
| Height | Not publicly available |
What is Adam Gillen known for?
Television roles
Gillen’s most prominent television role is as Liam Conroy in ITV’s Benidorm, a part he played from 2011 until the show ended in 2018. He also appeared as Brian in the Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat in 2011 and as Gavin in BBC’s Prisoners’ Wives in 2012. His early film work includes a role in 4.3.2.1 (2010).
Theatre highlights
On stage, Gillen portrayed Mozart in Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus at the National Theatre in 2016 and reprised the role in 2018. He played the Emcee in Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre during the 2024–2025 season. In 2022, he took on the title role in Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe. His performance in Killer Joe earned him an Olivier Award nomination in 2019.
Gillen was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in Killer Joe (2019). The award is one of the most prestigious in British theatre.
What is Adam Gillen doing now?
As of 2025 and into 2026, Gillen is starring as Thénardier in the Sondheim Theatre production of Les Misérables. This role follows his stint as the Emcee in Cabaret during 2024–2025. His appearance has changed noticeably since his Benidorm days: he now sports light blonde hair and bearded stubble, contrasting with his earlier red locks and fresh-faced look, as noted by WalesOnline.
Gillen’s look has evolved significantly. Where he once had red hair and a youthful appearance in Benidorm, he now has light blonde hair and a beard. The change often surprises fans who recognise him from the ITV series.
No new television or film projects have been announced for Gillen as of early 2025. He remains active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares occasional updates.
How tall is Adam Gillen?
Adam Gillen’s height has not been officially recorded in any reliable source. Wikipedia, IMDb, and theatre profiles do not list it. Online estimates vary, but without confirmation from Gillen himself or an authoritative publication, his height remains unknown.
What is the timeline of Adam Gillen’s career?
- 1985 – Born in Manchester
- 2008 – Early career starts with short film The Meeting
- 2010 – Role in film 4.3.2.1
- 2011–2018 – Plays Liam Conroy in Benidorm
- 2011 – Appears as Brian in Fresh Meat
- 2012 – Appears as Gavin in Prisoners’ Wives
- 2016 – Portrays Mozart in National Theatre’s Amadeus
- 2019 – Nominated for Olivier Award for Killer Joe
- 2022 – Plays Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe
- 2024–2025 – Plays Emcee in Cabaret
- 2025–2026 – Plays Thénardier in Les Misérables
- 2026 – Marries Laila Zaidi
What information about Adam Gillen is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| He is a British actor born 11 September 1985. | His exact height – no reliable source provides a measurement. |
| He starred in Benidorm, Fresh Meat, and Amadeus. | Whether he and Laila Zaidi have children – no public records. |
| He has an Instagram account with 35K followers. | His current professional projects beyond Les Misérables – no announcements since 2023. |
| He married Laila Zaidi in 2026. | Details about his relationship timeline before 2018 – kept private. |
While many online sources speculate about Gillen’s height and family status, no authoritative confirmation exists. Claims about his children or height should be treated as unverified.
What does Adam Gillen’s career trajectory reveal?
Gillen’s career shows a deliberate shift from television comedy to serious stage roles. After making his name with the long-running ITV hit Benidorm, he moved into classical theatre, playing Mozart and Henry VIII. His Olivier nomination for Killer Joe underscores his versatility as a dramatic actor. The lack of personal information in public sources suggests a conscious effort to maintain privacy, a common approach among British performers who wish to separate their public image from their private life.
Where can I find reliable information about Adam Gillen?
“Adam Gillen (born 11 September 1985) is a British actor, best known for his role as Liam Conroy in the ITV hit series Benidorm.”
“He recently starred in the London stage productions of Les Misérables.”
“Adam Gillen was born on 11 September 1985 in Manchester, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for National Theatre Live: Amadeus (2017), 4.3.2.1.”
— IMDb
Other trustworthy sources include Apple TV’s profile and the actor’s own Instagram account, though the latter contains personal updates rather than verified biography.
What is the key takeaway about Adam Gillen?
Adam Gillen is a versatile British actor who achieved fame through television comedy and solidified his reputation with acclaimed stage performances. He is now married to fellow actor Laila Zaidi and continues to work in London’s West End. For readers interested in similar performers, see the Jack Whitehall – Age, Net Worth, Movies, and Biography 2025 or the Robert James-Collier – Biography, Age, Family, and Career.
Frequently asked questions about Adam Gillen
Is Adam Gillen married?
Yes, Adam Gillen married Laila Zaidi in 2026. The couple had been engaged since 2023 and dating since 2018.
Does Adam Gillen have children?
No public information confirms that he has children. As of 2026, no births have been announced.
What is Adam Gillen’s height?
Adam Gillen’s height has not been officially listed. Estimates online vary, but no reliable source provides a measurement.
What is Adam Gillen doing now?
As of 2025–2026, Gillen is performing as Thénardier in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre in London.
Who is Laila Zaidi?
Laila Zaidi is a British actor who played Cyd in Benidorm and has appeared in Ackley Bridge and Mood. She married Adam Gillen in 2026.
What is Adam Gillen best known for?
He is best known for playing Liam Conroy in ITV’s Benidorm from 2011 to 2018.
Has Adam Gillen won any awards?
He was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2019 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Killer Joe but did not win.
What stage roles has Adam Gillen played?
He has played Mozart in Amadeus, the Emcee in Cabaret, Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe, and Thénardier in Les Misérables.
Where was Adam Gillen born?
He was born in Manchester, England, on 11 September 1985.
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