In search of some 'light relief', Gogglebox fans tuned in to the return of the telly favourite on the day the country entered National Mourning. There was uncertainty over whether the show would return to Channel 4 tonight (September 9) as planned after months off air following news of the Queen's tragic passing.
It was announced at around 6.30pm on Thursday (September 8) that Queen Elizabeth had died peacefully, aged 96, at Balmoral, her Scottish Highlands home. Her death was announced after Charles, now King, rushed to be by his beloved mother's bedside after doctors became concerned for the Queen's health.
The Palace said in a brief statement: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
The BBC and ITV cancelled all their regular programming to air continued rolling coverage of the Queen's death on Friday. Channel 4 also made adaptations including extending its lunchtime and evening news programmes and airing a special edition of Steph’s Packed Lunch, hosted by Steph McGovern.
And hours before the first episode of the new series of Gogglebox was due to air, a spokesperson confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that it would go ahead. "Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen," a Channel 4 spokesperson said.
"Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this. Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers."
Prior to the show airing, Channel 4's continuity announcer confirmed the show had been filmed prior to the Queen's passing. As usual, Craig Cash narrated the show and started with his usual opening line while reference the historic event.
"In the week before the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen, there was plenty on telly," the former Royal Family star said. Some eagle-eyed viewers noticed that was slightly adapted, as he usually says "we enjoyed lots of great telly."
And despite the sadness, viewers were pleased to see the show bac @Darrenold77 tweeted: "Friday nights can resume as normal. A little bit of light relief after a couple of sad days #Gogglebox." @callummccrae1 shared: "Not trying to be disrespectful in any way but thank you @Channel4 for giving us this weeks episode of #gogglebox a chance for the nation to take their minds off the events of the last 24 hours for at least a little while."
@CraigS0309 commented: "Welcome back #Gogglebox in difficult times." @camruined wrote: "The return of #Gogglebox is absolutely what I need this evening." @DaleMeachen added: "After one of the most (understandably) depressing 24 hours I've ever experienced #Gogglebox is most definitely welcome."
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