Gyles Brandreth 's new sofa companion for Celebrity Gogglebox is Absolutely Fabulous, though he has said she nodded off the last time that they watched TV together.
It's been announced that the writer and former politician, 74, will be joined by actor Dame Joanna Lumley, 76, for the next series of the show - which returns next month.
Speaking about getting the opportunity to appear on the popular Channel 4 series, she commented recently: "It is a huge honour and crosses something off my long bucket list."
She's the latest celebrity to appear alongside Gyles on the show, with his co-stars having been Sheila Hancock, 89, in 2019 and Maureen Lipman, 76, from 2020 until 2021.
Gyles - who has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox since it debuted in 2019 - said that his last two sofa partners were made dames soon after appearing with him on the show.
He said: "My wife thinks that's because the Queen must watch Gogglebox and felt Sheila and Maureen deserved a reward for sitting on the sofa next to me."
The broadcaster - who was previously an MP for the Conservative Party between 1992 and 1997 - is said to have been friends with Joanna for more than 50 years.
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Discussing their partnership for the upcoming series, he teased: "The last time we watched the box together she fell asleep. I'm hoping that doesn't happen for Gogglebox."
Other celebrity pairs on the new series are said to include dancer Oti Mabuse, 31, and comedian Bill Bailey, 57 - who won Strictly Come Dancing together in 2020.
Radio presenter Nick Grimshaw, 37, and his niece Liv Grimshaw are also set to return, as well as Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp, 60, and his son, radio host Roman Kemp, 29.
It's been reported that other returning participants include Happy Mondays' Shaun Ryder, 59, and Bez, 58, as well as comedian Mo Gilligan and actor Babatunde Aleshe, both 34.
The new series of Celebrity Gogglebox will air from June 10 on Channel 4. Episodes are expected to be available following broadcast through All4 on demand services.
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