An emotional moment unfolded on the latest Gogglebox Christmas special as one of the show's stars broke down in tears just minutes into the New Year's Day episode. Andrew Nicolls was overcome with emotion after a surprise gesture from his husband, Alfie Mulhall.
A Festive Tribute Inspired by Love Actually
The Channel 4 show returned with a festive episode on 1 January 2026, featuring the nation's favourite armchair critics sharing their views on seasonal television. The episode took a poignant turn almost immediately when Alfie, 30 years younger than Andrew, decided to recreate an iconic scene from the classic film Love Actually.
Holding up a series of handwritten cards for his husband, Alfie's messages included the lines: "And people think you're my father," and "Happy Christmas, I Love You." A bemused Andrew asked "What are you doing?" before being told to sit down and watch.
An Overwhelming On-Screen Reaction
As Alfie revealed the sweet notes, Andrew's reaction was instantaneous and heartfelt. Wiping away tears, he exclaimed, "Oh, my god, I really love Love Actually." The touching moment was quickly followed by shared laughter, with Alfie simply responding, "Merry Christmas," to his emotional partner.
The couple, who hail from the Cotswolds and are relatively new additions to the Gogglebox lineup, have quickly become fan favourites. Their dynamic, marked by sharp observations and playful banter, has resonated deeply with the programme's audience.
A Real-Life Love Story Celebrated Online
Away from the cameras, Andrew and Alfie frequently share glimpses of their life together on Instagram, from holiday snaps and family announcements to personal milestones. In a recent post on Sunday, 21 December, Andrew reflected on finding love later in life.
Sharing a montage of photos—including one of them smiling before a city skyline and another of a kiss on a beach—Andrew wrote in the caption: "I was 60 when I thought my love story was over…Then THIS happened."
The post prompted an outpouring of support from followers. One fan commented, "Love always wins, my friend," while another said, "Two beautiful men, one beautiful couple!" A third viewer noted the importance of their representation, stating, "I’ve got a big age gap with my boyfriend, so seeing you guys represent it on TV is so lovely!"
Andrew and Alfie, who have a 30-year age gap, married in a destination wedding in Italy in May 2024. Their heartwarming moment on Gogglebox serves as another chapter in their public love story, charming a national audience and proving that festive television can deliver genuine, unscripted emotion.
