Gogglebox stars who quit Channel 4 show through family…

Gogglebox stars who quit Channel 4 show through family fallouts and ruthless rows

Channel 4's Gogglebox burst onto the scene in 2013, and over it's ten-year tenure on British television - it has amassed quite the reputation in terms of entertainment and drama.

With millions of viewers and an abundance of awards to its name, viewers tune in week in, week out to watch other people watching television, considering many stars over the years such as Scarlett Moffatt and the Sandifords to be household names.

However, in recent times the show has caused a touch of a stir - with Dame Sheila Hancock, 90, claiming that she'd been sacked from the Celebrity edition of the show.

The Mirror reports the acclaimed actress reckons she wasn't asked back by bosses after expressing dismay at how much nudity she was required to watch. Maureen Lipman also walked last year after saying 'life is too short to watch a series of hopeless men dangle their bits and pieces in my direction.'

So with their reasons laid bare, we take a look at why some of Gogglebox's other stars chose to quit the show.

Paige Deville

Paige - who joined Gogglebox in 2019 with her mum Sally Hayward - announced she was quitting the series two years later. Speaking about her decision, she told BirminghamLive: "There have been problems within the family and my mum was given an ultimatum. The decision means I have nothing to do with her now. I think the decision is irreversible."

Paige later tweeted: "To clarify, people thinking I fell out with my mom over Gogglebox, my “mom” is an absolute disgrace who I wish to never speak to again due to a serious family issue NOT about a tv show."

Chris Ashby-Steed

Chris was on Gogglebox with his ex, Stephen (Channel 4)

Chris quit the show in 2019 having appeared on the sofa with his former partner Stephen Webb. Following his exit in 2019, Chris spoke to the Mirror about his departure, claiming his ex ended their production deal with Channel 4 without talking to him about it first.

He said: "After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it."

Chris then claimed that the show's producers said the popular pair could appear with new partners on alternate weeks, with Stephen bringing in his mum and the hairdresser's partner Daniel ended up making the cut.

George Gilbey

George Gilbey was dropped from Gogglebox after he agreed to go on Celebrity Big Brother. His family left the show after George went on the reality show in 2014, writing: "It is true that we won't be on the next series of Gogglebox. We had a lovely time filming with them and wish the cast and crew lots of luck."

Gogglebox producer Chantal Boyle said they couldn't be in the fourth series as it 'wouldn't work' once George had been on the famous Channel 5 show. She added the Gilbeys were told in advance they would forfeit their place, but they couldn't resist the financial offer from CBB.

Silent Jay

You know you've made it on Gogglebox when you don't say a word and become one the most popular stars of the show. Silent Jay Makin was in a class of his own, however his time on the show came to a sudden end in 2015 when he split up with Eve Woerdenweber, who appeared on the sofa with her mum Viv and German-born dad Ralf from The Wirral.

Speaking about his time on the programme, Jay said he had no regrets, but confessed the break-up 'really hurt'.

Scarlett Moffatt

Arguably the show's biggest success story, Scarlett has bagged herself an enviable career since quitting Gogglebox. With shows including Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm A Celebrity under her belt, it was clear the Geordie was destined for great things.

When quizzed whether she regretted her decision to leave the show that made her, she told the Express: "Not really because we still do it, it’s just no one’s filming it."

Read next:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here