COSTA MOURNS
BENIDORM legend Sticky Vicky's daughter and "heir" to the icon's brand led the tributes to her adored mother who died aged 80.
Heartbroken fans from across the world have been sharing their love for "the absolute legend" and "true entertainer" who passed away after a long illness.
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The exotic dancer's daughter, Maria, broke the news today, saying: "I regret these words, my mother Sticky Vicky passed away."
In a touching tribute on Facebook, she wrote: "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."
Sticky Vicky, whose real name is Victoria María Aragüés Gadea, spent decades performing as an illusionist and dancer born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
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Now, her daughter will take the famous brand with her as she continues to perform nightly in Brit hotspot hometown.
Vicky's long loyal fans have been filling the internet with adoration for the always cheeky performer who was known for making anything 'disappear'.
One wrote: "God bless you and your family, your mum put Benidorm on the map, when you said Benidorm every one said Sticky Vicky what a beautiful woman a true entertainer RIP."
Another said: "Sending u all love..... see your mum on my 21st birthday, proper legend in her own lifetime."
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A third commented: "So sorry for your loss...Your beautiful mum was a true legend we feel so privileged to have seen her many times. R I P beautiful lady. Sending love to her family."
"So sorry for your loss, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers xxx. An amazing lady at rest," a fourth wrote.
A fifth offered: "I was 14 years old when I first heard of your beautiful mum... I finally got to see her numerous times in my 40s and your show too.
"Benidorm will be now dark at night.... after losing its biggest star.. absolute legend... Bless you."
The entertainer first trained as a ballet dancer for 15 years before creating a nude magic show that premiered in Barcelona.
The mother-of-two moved to Benidorm in the 1980s, where her reputation for her wild, X-rated performances.
Her shows involved her pulling a variety of items from her private parts, including ping pong balls and razor blades.
Brits began flocking to see her in action and she quickly cemented herself as forever a part of the Benidorm's history.
She performed at the Costa Blanca resort which was nicknamed Little England because of the amount of British tourists who visited.
In her heyday, she performed six shows a night, six times a week.
After a 30 year performance career, she finally hung up her dancing boots in 2016.
Asked what she would change about her life if she could before her retirement, she told an interviewer: “Nothing. I have a fantastic life, with wonderful family and friends.
"What more could anyone want?”
Her final show took place only days before she underwent a hip operation.
She was diagnosed with uterine cancer the following year.
In April, the much-adored star celebrated her 80th birthday as messages of love were posted all over the internet,
One fan commented: "So many years of entertaining everyone who has visited Benidorm over the years. Well done Vicky Leyton. Happy 80th Birthday and thanks for being a Benidorm Legend."
A cheeky user suggested the performer celebrate with some well-earned champagne: "I wonder how she's going to pop the cork on the champers? Happy Birthday."
In July, she was hospitalised after smashing her knees getting into a car the month before.
She spent five days in hospital and was discharged, but quickly returned after suffering pain and a possible infection.
She wrote on Facebook on July 3: "Hello everyone. First of all, to know that I'm fine, last week I had an accident before I got into the car and I fell to the ground.
"We spent five days in the hospital.
"After being discharged and returning home, we are here again today, since it hurts a lot and you have to see if I have an infection.
"I hope not and we can go home today. We will report the evolution. Take care."
Little had been heard from the star since.
Vicky has left behind her son, Eduardo, and her daughter Maria who has proudly carried on her late mother's legacy.
Maria uses the same stage name as Sticky Vicky, saying that she was inspired to do so after copycats were trying to make money by performing similar acts.
The flexible woman advertises herself as "the true daughter and only daughter of Sticky Vicky the legend for 30 years" and performs nightly shows in Benidorm.
In 2021 she said she wanted to revive the Sticky Vicky spectacle for die-hard fans and new generations of tourists.
She said at the time: "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."
Meanwhile, Maria revealed her mum was suffering from early onset dementia and using a walker while awaiting a second hip replacement.
Vicky said at the time: “Hopefully I’ll be back on my feet again soon.
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“It’s very nice that my daughter wants to carry on with what I’ve been doing these years and keep the spectacle alive.
“My stage days are over but I’m hoping I can accompany her."
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