Scottish Gogglebox favourite Roisin Kelly has addressed the shock departure of herself and Joe Kyle from the Channel 4 programme, confirming they were not asked back for series 26. The show made its return this weekend without the beloved duo, prompting fans to question their absence.
In a candid TikTok 'get ready with me' video, the Glasgow-born star revealed the circumstances behind their exit, stating: "We were 'brutally axed'. We weren't asked back to do series 26. They had just said they wanted to take the show in another direction, away from our house. There's not really any lore or any stories to it."
The departure has stunned Gogglebox viewers, with many branding the decision "insane". The duo are being replaced by two fresh Scottish partnerships - sisters Suzie, 70, and Rosie, 68, from Edinburgh, alongside best pals Callum, 31, and Jake, 27, from Glasgow - who feature among five new households joining the show.
Despite the setback, Roisin insisted there is no animosity towards the production team. "We were good friends with all the producers and that's the thing that's sad," she said. "Firstly, you need to get over the ego part of like being booted off. I don't know who made the decision. I think it was Channel 4's decision but you don't know who it was in Channel 4, you don't know why, you don't know the inner workings so there's no point trying to like guess and go over and over it cos you'll never know."
She added that they had "an amazing time" on the show and are grateful for the opportunity. On the prospect of returning, she joked: "I don't think that's an option... Free Joe and Roisin - bring us back." Roisin also revealed that she and Joe have set their sights on another programme, saying: "If anyone knows how to get us on Race Across the World, maybe we'll do that instead."
The pair announced their departure in a joint statement at the end of July, saying: "After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa, Channel 4 have decided it's time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26. Therefore we are leaving the Gogglebox family."
