In the newly launched series of Gogglebox, five fresh households joined the cast as they settled into their sofas to react to the week’s TV highlights.
Since its debut in the UK on March 7, 2013, the show has now racked up 25 seasons on Channel 4.
This season welcomed the newcomers alongside returning fan favorites but also saw the exit of one much-loved pair. In July, viewers were disappointed to learn that Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle would not be returning.
In a TikTok announcement, Roisin shared, “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa, Channel 4 have decided it’s time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26.”
The Minty family has returned for the latest series of Gogglebox. Siblings Simon and Jane Minty, who joined the Channel 4 show in 2021, quickly became fan favourites thanks to their sharp and humorous commentary.
Simon, 56, who has dwarfism, runs Sminty Ltd, a business focused on promoting accessibility and inclusivity for disabled people both in the UK and internationally. Jane works in the catering industry and manages her own kitchen.
After the new episode aired, the pair shared a message on their joint social media account: “Lovely to be back. Hope you enjoyed all new Gogglebox last night. Or you enjoy it over the weekend if you’re saving it.”
Simon Minty shared a personal message on his own social media, expressing his excitement about the new Gogglebox series. He wrote:
“Very happy to be back with a brand new series of Gogglebox. Thank you for the many positive beard comments and less thanks for those who are less keen! I suspect it will come and go. Have lovely weekends, peaceful and kind, whatever you’re doing.”
He acknowledged fans’ reactions to his new beard and signed off with well wishes for the weekend.
Fans were quick to react to Simon Minty’s new look after his Instagram post. One admirer wrote, “Very distinguished, almost regal,” while another chimed in with, “Loving the beard Simon.”
Fans continued to shower Simon Minty with praise for his new bearded look, commenting things like, “Lovely to see you both and LOVE the beard,” “The beard is gorgeous!” and “Simon, you’re rocking that beard.”
As for the show itself, Mike Cotton, Creative Director at Studio Lambert the production team behind Gogglebox welcomed the new additions, saying:
“It’s a delight to welcome some new households to the Gogglebox family.
Along with our much-loved returning cast, we can’t wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this week’s most talked-about TV.”
Those returning to the show include Jenny and Lee, The Siddiquis, The Malones, Giles and Mary, Ellie and Izzi and David and Shirley. The new families and friends that will be joining the Gogglebox cast are:
- Friends Jake (27) and Calum (31), from Glasgow
- The Gordon family, Andre (49), Sarah (47) and their daughter Chee (25) from Surrey
- Married couple Andrew (62) and Alfie (32) from The Cotswolds
- Mother and daughter-in-law, Sara (87) and Lara (58) from Yorkshire
- Sisters, Rosie (68) and Susie (70) from Edinburgh