Who'd have thought watching ordinary people on TV watching their own TVs could be so entertaining? Well, Gogglebox is certainly proof alone of the matter!
The reality show has kept on going for 22 seasons now as us Brits just can’t get enough!
Gogglebox is one of Channel 4's most successful shows and from the hilarious clips and quips, we can see why.
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There have been many amazing families we have been introduced to over the last decade, though we've had to wave a sad goodbye to many of them, with the latest farewell being Stephen Webb who has just called it quits after being a part of the original cast ten years ago.
Despite earning a nice monthly £1,500 salary just to binge watch popular TV episodes, our favourite hairdresser decided it was time to leave and it’s his chance to try new opportunities.
Though the series is dependent on natural reactions from the cast, it's important to remember it's still television and that comes with some strict rules.
No, it’s not Lee dipping toast into tea - unfortunately, it’s a little more than that.
Even though it’s just getting paid to watch TV, there are some things you need to know before signing up to be part of the show.
No alcohol:
I know, I know. You’re certain you’ve seen someone drink alcohol on the show, right? Wrong, apparently!
You may not have noticed as the cast tend to drink from mugs, but there’s definitely no alcohol.
This is because producers implemented the rule to avoid cast members from getting drunk and possibly slurring their words on camera.
A former castmate, Tom Malone Jr, once confirmed this to The Sun, saying: "We weren’t allowed to order or drink alcohol, because I don’t think the show would work if we were all there slurring our words."
Put on a show:
Ex-cast member Paige Deville revealed that the show was a 'pantomime behind the scenes', due to being prepped for scenes and having to watch a show multiple times to get a range of responses caught on camera.
She also said cast members were under instruction to not spend the show watching their phones and to pay attention to what was on the screen.
She said that producers 'prep you to say things' by giving cast members a heads up if there's a good bit coming up.
Enjoy your takeaway:
But if there’s ever a rule to be followed, it’s this one.
The cast members of Gogglebox are paid for being on the show, but not enough to go full time, according to Pete Sandiford.
Though they do treat cast members to a cheeky takeaway during filming days.
So, it’s not all doom and gloom aye?
Topics: Gogglebox, Channel 4, TV and Film
Britt Jones