The much-loved Siddiqui family from Channel 4's Gogglebox have built a significant fortune through their long-running TV fame, with their family business now sitting on substantial financial reserves. However, their success has recently been shadowed by controversy surrounding the family patriarch's absence from his NHS role due to stress.
The Siddiqui Family Fortune Revealed
Exclusive analysis of company accounts reveals that Siddiqui Ents Ltd, the family business set up by the stars, is now holding £232,941 in reserves. The company, established in connection with their television work, is the only one of its kind founded by a Gogglebox family.
The Siddiquis – father Sid and sons Umar and Bassit – have been fan favourites since the show's inception in 2013. Their company's wealth saw a notable increase of £115,449 in 2024, following a rise of £104,770 the previous year. Prior to 2021, filed accounts showed the business was paying corporation tax of around £20,000 annually, indicating consistent and significant yearly profits.
NHS Stress Leave and On-Screen Appearances
The financial revelation comes amid a separate controversy concerning 80-year-old Sid Siddiqui. It was revealed in October that he had continued to film for Gogglebox while signed off from his taxpayer-funded NHS role on leave for stress.
Sid works as a health service environmental manager for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, a role with a full-time salary between £55,690 and £62,682. While on leave, he was understood to be earning approximately £35,000 for what would typically be a three-day week. His absence reportedly left NHS colleagues frustrated, with one insider telling the Daily Mail they felt "left to pick up the pieces" while understaffed and under pressure.
"We get home after a long day, put the telly on and there he is, laughing and joking on Gogglebox," the insider said.
Permissions and Well-Being Defences
Both the NHS Trust and Siddiqui's doctor have insisted there is no conflict. They stated he sought and received full permission to continue filming, arguing that the activity takes place outside working hours and is beneficial for his mental well-being.
A source close to the situation said: "He has done all the appropriate checks with his employer and his doctor. They have both signed him off and agreed that whilst he's off he can continue to film the show."
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust declined to comment on individual employees. A spokesperson for Gogglebox stated: "The welfare of our contributors is always of paramount importance... all necessary medical and employment permissions were given, with full support."
The situation highlights a wider national issue. A recent Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) study found mental health and stress are among the top reasons for sick leave. The average employee now takes 9.4 sick days per year, a record high and a sharp increase from 7.8 days in 2023.
