Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr has revealed there is a rule that families must follow if they want to stay on the popular Channel 4 show.
Tom, 27, shot to fame as part of the much-loved Malone family from Manchester back in 2014 but quit the show in 2021 after six years on the sofa, the Mirror reports. The reality star turned professional dancer is currently starring on new E4 reality show, The Real Dirty Dancing, but the rest of his family including dad Tom Sr, mum Julie and brother Shaun remain Gogglebox regulars.
However, Tom still let fans in on a Gogglebox secret during an ‘ask me anything’ Q&A on his Instagram stories.
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Tom was asked by one of his 321,000 followers "Do you stay in touch with anyone from Gogglebox other than your family?"
He replied: "So the weird thing with Gogglebox is, if you’re on the show, you’re not allowed to meet up with anyone else that is on the show – unless it’s like an awards show you’re invited to or something.
“But I still speak to a few people on social media and I still speak to all the crew and stuff – and see my mum and dad sometimes.”
Another fan said: "How many random people ask you how Dave the dog is?!" Dave is one of the Malone family’s Rottweilers, who regularly steals scenes when they are starring in Gogglebox.
Tom said: “Honestly, it’s pretty much every single person that stops me. It’s mad.” The dancer – who is currently starring on new E4 reality The Real Dirty Dancing – added: “It really is Dave’s world and we’re just living in it.”
Tom announced he was quitting Gogglebox last February – just a day before the new series was due to air.
Revealing the news on social media, he shared a snap of himself jokingly holding up a cardboard sign which read: "Back on the market. Get at me with any TV work".
He captioned the post: "So after six and a half years, it’s finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye to Gogglebox.
"I've loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them."
He continued: "I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid."
Since leaving the show, Tom has firmly established himself as a choreographer off-screen and even stepped into the world of TikTok videos. The dance sensation is also a member of a professional dance crew and has shown off his moves alongside the likes of The Black Eyed Peas, Rita Ora and Wiley.
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