Former Gogglebox Star Opens Up About Filming Frustrations
Daniel Lustig-Webb, a former star of the popular Channel 4 series Gogglebox, has candidly revealed that his time on the show "ruined" television for him. Daniel joined the programme in 2019 alongside his then-husband Stephen Webb, becoming one of the show's beloved armchair critics who react to the latest TV offerings.
The hit series, which returns for its 27th season tonight, typically attracts millions of viewers each week, peaking at between five and six million during its height of popularity. However, behind the scenes, Daniel experienced a significant issue that dampened his enjoyment.
The Problem with Piecemeal Viewing
On the A Gay and a Non Gay podcast, Daniel explained that the filming process involves watching only small portions of each programme, often just up to 15 minutes total, even for full-length movies or series. This fragmented approach meant that participants never see the complete narrative, leading to confusion and a lack of engagement.
"It ruins it," Daniel stated. "Whatever really decent show is on, everyone's watching it, you're getting into it, and then you film a little bit of it and you've seen the last bit, the middle bit, and the beginning bit, and now you think, 'I don't know any of the other bits.'"
He described how producers would fill in the gaps, but for newcomers, the experience was disorienting. "When you first start it's like, 'Gosh, I don't know what's going on'. It's just shock and react really," he added.
Life After Gogglebox
Daniel and Stephen left the show in May 2023, with Daniel initially calling it an "absolute ride and an absolute pleasure." Less than a year later, the couple announced their divorce, though they continued to share their Brighton home. Despite the frustrations, Daniel admits he misses being part of the series, having been involved since Stephen's pilot episode over 12 years ago.
"I loved watching it, I loved going to all of the shows, and then being part of it. I still can't believe I was part of it. I miss doing it, it was really good fun," he reflected.
Stephen Webb's Perspective
Stephen Webb, who appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2024, has also spoken about his departure from Gogglebox. He revealed to the Mirror that he "got bored of his own jokes" and felt repetitive, comparing himself to long-running soap character Ken Barlow.
"I was churning out the same old sh**. I'd say to the guys, 'Sorry, you'll have heard this 10 times before...' I don't know why they've not cottoned on," Stephen said, citing examples like a doughnut-eating gag that made it to air multiple times.
Gogglebox's New Season
The 27th series of Gogglebox premieres tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm, featuring a lineup of returning favourites such as:
- Ellie and Izzi Warner
- Pete and Sophie Sandiford
- The Malone family
- The Siddiqui family
Viewers can expect reactions to a variety of shows including Netflix's Bridgerton, The Apprentice, Secret Genius, The Floor, Pole to Pole with Will Smith, and Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich. Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges revealed by former stars, the series continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of everyday commentary and televised entertainment.
