Celebrity Gogglebox star Shaun Ryder has addressed concerns over his departure from the show after he and Happy Mondays bandmate Bez were absent from a recent episode. The duo missed an episode earlier this month, sparking speculation among viewers that they had left the programme.
However, Ryder has now confirmed that they have not quit. Speaking about the rumours, he said: 'We haven't left or anything like that, no. Have we heck.' He explained that the absence was due to scheduling, noting that they had filmed five or six of the seven episodes in the series.
Ryder and Bez have been a fixture on Celebrity Gogglebox since 2019, offering their humorous commentary on television shows. Ryder expressed his enjoyment of the show, saying: 'We love it. Bez comes round to mine and brings loads of stuff like ice cream and sweets.' He added that his daughters would be upset if they stopped, as they receive free products.
The duo returned for the series finale on July 11, alongside other celebrities including Rylan Clark and his mother Linda, Diversity stars Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo, and This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. They shared their thoughts on programmes such as Squid Game, First Dates, and Building the Band.
Fans have been campaigning for a spin-off show featuring Ryder and Bez. One supporter wrote on social media: 'Shaun and Bez are hilarious... Can they not have their own show!!!' Another added: 'Whichever channel gives Bez and Shaun their own show is on to a winner.'
The Happy Mondays are scheduled to perform at Colchester Castle Summer Series on August 22, with tickets available now. The event is expected to attract up to 10,000 attendees.
