Stephen Webb, one of the original sofa critics on Channel 4's Gogglebox, has explained why he cannot rejoin the cast, citing a strict show rule. The 54-year-old appeared on the programme from 2013 to 2023, initially with his former partner Christopher Steed, then with his late mother Pat Webb, and later with his ex-husband Daniel Lustig-Webb.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, Webb said the show's 'celebrity rule' prevents participants from becoming famous on other TV programmes while filming, to maintain an ordinary, authentic atmosphere. Since leaving Gogglebox, he has featured on other reality shows, making him ineligible for the main series. However, he hinted at a possible appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox in the future.
Webb described his time on the show as a 'dream', revealing he was 'extremely well paid' and opened two salons with the earnings. He noted the job involved simply watching TV and eating takeaways, calling it 'the easiest job in the world'. He also responded to former co-star Reverend Kate Bottley's claim that she saw little money from the show, suggesting she could have delivered more drama.
