Gogglebox Australia star Isabelle Silbery was rushed to hospital after fracturing her spine during a horse riding accident on a remote Fiji island.
The 38-year-old, who recently left the show, had been enjoying a tropical vacation on Turtle Island before the injury cut her trip short.
Isabelle was airlifted by helicopter to the mainland, a 30-minute flight, with her husband Alex Richards for emergency treatment.
She described the experience on Instagram, saying it was terrifying to have a horse riding accident on a remote island while in severe pain and unsure of the injury’s severity.
Since the medical helicopter only operated during daylight, local Fijians carried her on a stretcher for 2km uphill in the dark, then onto a boat and finally to her hut.
Isabelle shared how local Fijians, barefoot in the heat, held her hand and reassured her throughout the night, with a doctor on call providing pain relief and sitting outside her hut to check on her. She praised their care and her husband’s support during the ordeal.
She revealed that scans confirmed a fractured spine and said one inch the other way could have changed her life.
Isabelle has now returned to Melbourne to rest and recover after the accident last week.
She warned others to check their travel insurance, as theirs didn’t cover many common holiday activities like kayaking, snorkeling, biking, or horse riding.
This news comes shortly after Foxtel announced the cancellation of Gogglebox Australia after 19 seasons.
The long-running reality TV show, where everyday Australians react to the week’s TV, is based on a UK format and has been loved by fans since its 2015 debut.
The multi-Logie-winning series was co-produced by Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel and Network Ten, airing first on Foxtel and then free-to-air the next day.
However, Daily Mail Australia sources revealed that Foxtel has dropped the popular show, while Network Ten plans to keep it but in a rebooted form.
The source described the co-production as a “tumultuous” partnership, with both networks competing to claim ownership over the years.
Network Ten will continue the series, but fans should expect big changes, including a major cast shake-up.
The show will return in 2025, but it will look very different from the Gogglebox Australia viewers know.
The insider revealed that from 2025, the show will be “stripped back,” with Channel 10 sharing production costs to make it more affordable.
They said Gogglebox would be rebooted with some changes, as Foxtel and Network Ten couldn’t sustain the current expenses.
As a result, many families have been told they won’t return for the next season on Network Ten.
Fan favorite Isabelle Silbery confirmed on Instagram in November that she, her mum Kerry, and her daughter Ruby won’t be coming back in 2025.
Isabelle and Kerry joined the show in 2016 alongside Kerry’s mother Emily, who stepped down in 2023 due to a dementia diagnosis.
Isabelle shared a photo of the three of them on the couch and announced with a heavy heart that they won’t return to Gogglebox next year.
Isabelle announced that Foxtel decided not to renew Gogglebox, and while the show will continue on Channel 10, she, her mum, and daughter won’t be part of the new version.
She expressed gratitude for the chance to represent women’s voices on Australian TV, saying it’s been a pleasure sharing their lounge room with viewers over nine years.
Isabelle reflected on how her daughter Ruby stepping in for Emily felt like coming full circle and described the ending as both the close of an era and a chance for new beginnings.
Her post received many supportive comments, including one from TV veteran Lisa Wilkinson, who expressed her sympathy.
Lisa Wilkinson praised the Silbery family, saying they’ve been central to why she loved Gogglebox and wished them well for the future.
Former star Angie Kent shared similar feelings, calling their contribution invaluable and saying it will be difficult to replace them, while criticizing the network’s decision.
A Foxtel spokesperson reflected on Gogglebox’s journey since 2015, emphasizing how the show captured Australian culture and delivered many memorable moments.
Meanwhile, a Network Ten spokesperson confirmed that next year, viewers will only be able to watch Australia’s favorite couch critics on their channel.
The spokesperson said, “Grab the popcorn and get cosy on the couch, because in 2025 Gogglebox Australia will air exclusively on 10 and 10 Play.”
They also thanked the Silbery family for their nearly decade-long contribution to the show.
“The three generations of women in the Silbery family brought a wealth of life experiences, personality, empathy, humor, and opinion every time they sat down to watch the telly together,” the spokesperson added.
“While the Silbery family will not be returning next season, we thank them for their incredible contribution over the past nine years.”