Gogglebox star Ellie Warner will miss the rest of the current Channel 4 series as she continues to care for her boyfriend following a car accident. The 31-year-old has had to take a step back from the show after her boyfriend was left with life-threatening injuries following a hit and run while out in Leeds.
Nat Eddlestone was rushed to hospital after being struck by a white Seat Leon that left him with a broken neck and a punctured lung. Ellie is now reportedly constantly at her boyfriend's side as he continues to battle back to health in hospital – making it unlikely that she will return to the show.
A source told The Sun: “Ellie’s focus, 100 per cent, is on Nat and supporting him in his recovery. She’s been told to take as much time off as she needs and it is very unlikely she will be returning during the current series, as reported by The Mirror.
"Producers have told her to take as long as she needs.”
Another friend also said: “Her heart is totally ripped in two by all of this and she is still in a state of shock about how things have ended up. Right now all that Ellie is focusing on is making sure she is there for Nat.”
West Yorkshire Police launched a manhunt for the car driver following the incident and appealed to the public to help track them down. A statement released by the force at the time said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in the Halton area of Leeds involving a white Seat Leon and an adult male pedestrian.
“Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, which occurred on Selby Road near to The Woodman pub at around 00:10 this morning (Saturday 19th March 2022). The pedestrian has suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or the Seat being driven prior to the collision, including anyone with dash-cam or video footage, is asked to call 101, or contact online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat referencing collision 13220147973.”
There has been an outpouring of support to Ellie from fans of Gogglebox since the accident. Viewers have taken to social media in recent weeks to let the star know they are thinking of her and Nat – with one recently tweeting: “I really hope Ellie’s boyfriend is okay.”
Another asked: "Does anyone know how Ellie Warner's boyfriend Nat is doing after his car accident?" While another added: "Missing Ellie and Izzie tonight. Sending love to them all and get well wishes to Ellie's boyfriend Nat."