The living rooms of Britain will feel a little emptier as the beloved Malone family, a staple of Channel 4's Gogglebox for an incredible decade, have announced their departure from the hit show. The news has sent shockwaves through the show's dedicated fanbase, who have cherished the family's witty and unfiltered commentary from their sofa in Manchester.
The confirmation came not from a formal press release, but from a heartfelt social media post by son Tom Malone Jr. He shared the news with a poignant photo of the family's empty spot on the iconic couch, marking the end of an era for one of the show's most beloved clans.
A Decade of Laughter and Legendary Moments
For ten years, the Malones have been a cornerstone of the show's success. Viewers have watched the family dynamic evolve, from the hilarious banter between parents Julie and Tom Sr. to the boys, Tom Jr. and Shaun, growing up on screen. Their reactions, from Julie's infamous 'aye' to their collective outrage at reality TV antics, became a weekly highlight for millions.
Their departure marks the second major shift for the family in recent years, following Tom Jr.'s own exit from the show in 2021 to pursue other ventures. However, the core unit remained a fan favourite until now.
The Reason Behind the Goodbye
While the family has not cited a single specific reason for their decision, the immense commitment required for the show is well-known. Filming for Gogglebox is a significant undertaking, requiring families to commit to watching up to 12 hours of television per week, often in multiple sessions.
This gruelling schedule, combined with a desire to pursue new opportunities and enjoy a more private family life, is understood to be behind the decision. The family expressed their gratitude to the show's producers, Studio Lambert, and the incredibly supportive fans who have followed their journey.
Fans React to the End of an Era
Social media was immediately flooded with tributes and messages of sadness from devastated fans. Many described the news as 'the end of an era' and praised the Malones for their genuine and hilarious contributions to British television culture.
One fan poignantly wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Absolutely gutted. The Malones WERE Gogglebox for me. Their reactions were always the funniest. Going to miss them so much." Another added, "No more Malones?! What am I going to watch for now? Julie's one-livers were legendary."
Of course, fans were also quick to ask about the fate of the family's famous French Bulldog, Dave. Fortunately, it's confirmed that Dave will continue his rise to stardom on his own dedicated Instagram account, much to the relief of his thousands of followers.
As the show moves forward, the void left by the Malones will be undeniably huge. Their legacy as one of the most iconic families to ever grace the Gogglebox sofa is forever cemented in the hearts of the British public.
