Gogglebox is set for a major shake-up as five new families join the regulars for the upcoming series, following the departure of Scottish couple Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle. The new additions include two Scottish duos, the oldest contributor yet, and a married couple with a significant age gap.
The new Scottish pairs are pals Jake, 27, and Calum, 31, from Glasgow, and sisters Rosie, 68, and Susie, 70, from Edinburgh. They replace outgoing pair Roisin and Joe, who were not invited back for the 26th series, which begins on Channel 4 tomorrow.
The show will also feature its oldest ever contributor, 87-year-old Sara from Yorkshire, who will watch alongside her daughter-in-law Lara, 58. Other new families include the Gordons from Surrey – parents Andre, 49, and Sarah, 47, with daughter Chee, 25 – and married couple Andrew, 62, and Alfie, 32, from the Cotswolds.
An insider said the changes aim to “inject a bit of freshness” into the long-running show, which remains one of Channel 4’s most popular after 13 years. However, the influx of new faces may cause unease among existing regulars, who could feel at risk of being replaced if the newcomers prove popular.
Mike Cotton, creative director of production company Studio Lambert, called it “a delight” to welcome the fresh households, adding: “Along with our much-loved returning cast, we can't wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this week’s most talked about TV.” The new series airs tonight at 9pm.
