Gogglebox is one of the most popular shows on telly thanks to its hilarious, straight-talking cast - but sadly we have seen several fan favourite families leave the series since its inception in 2013. While some of them eventually returned, here's why these stars quit the show...
Stephen and Daniel Lustig-Webb
Earlier this week, Stephen and Daniel Lustig-wegg announced that they would be leaving Gogglebox. Penning a heartfelt caption on Instagram, they wrote: "After careful consideration, Daniel and I have decided we will not be returning for the new series of Gogglebox. "We would both like to thank Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for letting us be part of this amazing, funny and heartwarming show. We are also extremely thankful to the cast and crew, or Gogglebox family as we call them and of course the fans, thank you for all of your love and support over the years."
The couple also shared a funny video accompanying the statement to give a personal message to the fans. "Hey guys, it's Daniel and Stephen!" They began.
"So, we thought we'd put out this little video especially for the fans of the show to say thank you for all of your love and support over the years. It really has meant a lot, and we just wanted to do this video to say thank you to you guys.
"And if you do get withdrawal symptoms, we are available on Netflix. Oh, and also come to the salon, come and get your haircut. It's been an absolute ride; it's been an absolute pleasure. But don't forget, Channel 4 9 o'clock on a Friday: Gogglebox!"
The couple's departure marks the end of an era, especially for Stephen, who has starred on the show since the very series in 2013.
Chris Butland-Steed
Chris left his on-screen partner Stephen Webb to carry on without him on the show to pursue new opportunities back in 2018. At the time, he tweeted: "I'd like to announce I've decided to leave Gogglebox and am looking forward to the exciting adventures that lay ahead!
"Huge thanks to @C4Gogglebox @Channel4 for the amazing experiences I’ve had & wish cast & crew well. Massive thanks to the fans for their support! #watchthisspace." Since Chris left the show (and tied the knot to husband Tony), Stephen has appeared with his mum and husband, Daniel, on the show.
The Michaels family
In 2015, Andrew, Carolyne and their children, Louis and Alex, left the show while Andrew stood for UKIP in the general election. At the time, a spokesperson said: "It's with great regret that the Michaels are no longer in the show. Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox. They have been excellent contributors and we are very grateful for all they have given to the show."
Andrew didn't win the seat, so the family eventually returned to the series, but left for a second time after Andrew very sadly passed away aged 61 in 2021. Speaking to the Daily Star, executive producer Victoria Ray said: "We lost Mary and Andy, and a little while ago we lost Pete. Their loved ones won't be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy."
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Marina Wingrove
Marina stopped appearing on the show following the sad death of her friend, Mary, who starred alongside her at St Monica Trust retirement village. Paying tribute to her late friend, she wrote: "My dearest friend Mary, treasured memories will last forever. Our laughs and giggles and our ups and downs will forever be in my heart. Deepest sympathies to Mary’s family. Love Marina."
The Gilbey family
Pete, Linda and their son George became instant hits with their hilarious ways. However, the family left the show when George signed up for Celebrity Big Brother, only to return in 2016. It eventually became just Pete and Linda taking part in the series though, after George was given community service after attacking his ex-girlfriend, and was eventually jailed for three months for drunk driving charges. Pete sadly passed away in 2021, and Linda no longer appears on the show.
Sandi and Sandra
These two BFFs had us all in hysterics with their upbeat, comical manner, but after Sandi left the show to pursue new opportunities, Sandra followed suit just a few months later. Speaking about her decision on This Morning, she said: "I am going to miss it, but I decided at that time I wanted to move on to other things. It's four and a half years now, and I'm just moving on, keeping up with the times."
The Tappers
Josh Tapper left the show after landing a job in the Cabinet Office - and his family followed suit soon after. Speaking to the Mirror about quitting the show, he said: "I want to move away from that and the focus is now very much on my job. Of course, I miss it and sitting on the couch watching TV. But I am more focused on my future... it's a more secure path. I don’t think any ministers recognise me but the civil servants do. It took them a while to mention it - a total of about two days!" His sister Amy has since appeared on Celebs Go Dating.
The Moffatts
The Moffatts were firm fan favourites on the show, particularly thanks to breakout star Scarlett's hysterical musings. However, as Scarlett became more prominent in the world of telly, and went on to win I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, her family were unable to remain on the show without her. Scarlett admitted she was "gutted" about the decision, replying to a fan on Instagram: "We are gutted too, thought my Mam and dad (and little Ava) would still be doing it but we will still be watching #Gogglebox."
Steph and Dom
Nothing was quite as funny as watching the famously posh Steph and Dom settle in to watch a show with a glass of wine in hand and a little sausage dog in between them. The pair left the show back in 2016, telling The Sun: "We think it's important that everyone gets their chance to be on Gogglebox and give their opinion, and having been on it from the beginning we felt like we'd pretty much said all we needed to say, and we knew what we were going to say." We still miss them!