Channel 4's beloved sofa critic show Gogglebox has found itself in hot water after Friday night's episode triggered a wave of viewer complaints and threats of boycotts.
The controversy erupted when disgraced former Health Secretary Matt Hancock appeared on screens, prompting immediate backlash from the show's dedicated fanbase. Many viewers took to social media to express their outrage at what they deemed an "unacceptable" decision by producers.
Viewer Fury Erupts Online
Social media platforms were flooded with angry comments within minutes of the episode airing. Long-time fans of the show didn't hold back their disappointment, with many questioning why Hancock was given airtime given his controversial political history.
One frustrated viewer tweeted: "Well that's me done with Gogglebox. Having Matt Hancock on my screen is the final straw." Another added: "Switching off now. Can't stand to watch that man after everything he put us through."
From Westminster to Reality TV
The MP's appearance comes amid his ongoing reality television career, which began with his controversial stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022. Hancock's transition from politics to entertainment has been met with consistent criticism from both constituents and the public.
Many Gogglebox viewers argued that featuring the MP normalises his behaviour during the pandemic and rewards what they see as a career built on poor decisions and broken trust.
Channel 4 Faces Tough Questions
This isn't the first time Channel 4 has faced criticism over its programming choices involving politicians. However, the strength of reaction to Hancock's Gogglebox appearance suggests the broadcaster may have misjudged audience sentiment.
Regular viewers expressed concern that the show was drifting from its original charm of featuring everyday people reacting to television, instead becoming another platform for controversial public figures.
The backlash raises important questions about the boundaries between entertainment and politics, and whether some figures remain too divisive for light-hearted television formats.
