Former Gogglebox star Josh Tapper has been elected as a Labour councillor, marking a new chapter in his political career nine years after leaving the Channel 4 reality show.
From Reality TV to Local Government
Josh Tapper, now 28, first shot to fame at age 15 alongside his family on Gogglebox in 2013. However, he chose to step away from the spotlight to focus on politics, leaving his family to continue their television journey. After securing a seat in the Underhill ward of Barnet, Tapper won 1,128 votes, earning a position alongside fellow Labour candidate Zahra Beg.
His sister Amy proudly announced the news on social media, writing: "My brother is officially a Councillor! So so proud."
A Journey into Politics
The Tapper family became fan favourites on Gogglebox for their humorous commentary on television programmes. Their time on the show spanned five years, but Josh left a year before the family's departure in 2018 after securing an apprenticeship with the Civil Service. This opportunity propelled him into the world of politics.
Reflecting on his experience, Tapper told Jewish News in 2022: "I spent the next five years living that life while also trying to live a normal life. But I was the guy who was on TV. My days were long as we were filming the scenes in addition to school."
Before becoming a councillor, Tapper volunteered at cancer care charities and food banks and served as a trustee for a homeless charity. He narrowly missed election in 2022 for the Edgewarebury ward and came second in Hertsmere as a Labour candidate in 2024.
Commitment to Public Service
Tapper has urged voters to focus on his track record rather than his age. He stated: "From reversing Tory neglect on our green spaces to pioneering institutional change of mental health support, I've always shown that no matter how big the challenge, I'll always take it on and get the job done."
In a previous campaign, he outlined his priorities: "As your MP, I'll focus on improving our economy so that families are better off. I also want to see more police on the streets and deal with crime like antisocial behaviour and burglaries. Labour will get the NHS back on its feet, switch on Great British Energy, take back our streets and break down the barriers to opportunity."
Support from Channel 4
When Tapper decided to leave Gogglebox in 2017, TV bosses supported his decision, with a source revealing that "Channel 4 will, of course, keep the door open for him" but were pleased about his "exciting opportunity."
Speaking to The Mirror in 2018, Tapper said: "The option to go back is always there, but I want to move away from that, and the focus is now very much on my job. Of course, I miss it and the sitting on the couch watching TV. But I am more focused on my future… It's a more secure path."
