Celebrity Gogglebox fans were left puzzled after a familiar face failed to appear in the latest episode of the Channel 4 spin-off show. Comedian Babatunde Aleshe, who usually appears alongside Mo Gilligan, was absent and replaced by fellow comedian Eddie Kadi.
Missing Favourite Sparks Fan Reaction
The episode aired on Friday, July 3, 2026, featuring returning favourites such as Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, Nick Grimshaw and his niece Liv, and Richie Anderson and Ellie Simmonds. New additions included Olivia Attwood and her mother Jennifer, and Harry and Matt, known as Nitro and Legend from Gladiators. Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde, as well as comedian Julian Clary and actor Nigel Havers, completed the line-up.
Instead of Babatunde, Mo was joined by Eddie Kadi, a fellow comedian and I'm a Celebrity star. Fans took to social media to express confusion. One wrote on X: "Where's @BabatundeComedy tonight @MoTheComedian?" On Instagram, Mo shared a video with Eddie, prompting another fan to exclaim: "BABATUNDE?! WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!" A third simply asked: "Where's Babatunde?"
New Cast Members Share Excitement
Meanwhile, new star Olivia Attwood described her experience on Celebrity Gogglebox as "chaotic but in the best possible way." She explained: "It's not often that we agree on things which I think the viewers may find entertaining. My family are huge fans of the show so it's a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme."
Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also shared his enthusiasm: "I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV. He reacts to everything, so you're never bored. It's so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you're thinking, and before you know it, we've gone completely off track!"
Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers added: "It's a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this)."
Celebrity Gogglebox airs at 9pm on Fridays on Channel 4.
