ladbible homepage
ladbible homepage
  • iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK
    • US
    • World
    • Ireland
    • Australia
    • Science
    • Crime
    • Weather
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV
    • Film
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • Netflix
    • Disney
  • Sport
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Originals
    • FFS PRODUCTIONS
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • SPORTbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Strict rules all Gogglebox cast members have to follow

Home> Entertainment> TV

Published 15:36 1 Dec 2024 GMT

Strict rules all Gogglebox cast members have to follow

They can't do some things, but they do get a takeaway out of it

Joe Harker

Joe Harker

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

By now Gogglebox is one of the most popular offerings on Channel 4, and a staple part of their Friday night programming.

It's also a really handy way to keep up with all the TV you didn't get to see as you can still follow along the major developments if they feature on the show.

This is a process I like to call 'Gogglebox osmosis', where one can absorb details about all sorts of shows they don't watch just by sticking Gogglebox on.

Advert

While the concept of people watching people watching TV had some people sceptical at first it's ended up being a very popular format.

Lots of viewers reckon they'd be great on it, but if you ever ended up being invited onto the show there's some rules you'd need to follow.

Gogglebox is one of Channel 4's most popular shows. (Channel 4)
Gogglebox is one of Channel 4's most popular shows. (Channel 4)

You can't be drunk

The Gogglebox cast members will drink all sorts of things on the show, with brother and sister duo Pete and Sophie notorious for their selection of novelty mugs.

However, you won't usually see them quaffing alcohol.

It's not really noticed by viewers of the Channel 4 show but you don't often see the stars drinking wine, beer or spirits, or if they secretly are doing so they're doing a very good job of hiding it.

Producers are said to have put the rule in place so that cast members wouldn't get drunk and slur their words on camera.

Tom Malone Jr, who left the show a few years ago, once told The Sun: "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."

If you like to sit down with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer for an evening of watching the TV then this rule may mean a spot on Gogglebox isn't for you.

Lots of the Gogglebox cast will be drinking tea or coffee, but never alcohol. (Channel 4)
Lots of the Gogglebox cast will be drinking tea or coffee, but never alcohol. (Channel 4)

Be entertaining

The shows on Gogglebox are meant to entertain those watching, and in turn the deal is that those watching are entertaining enough to make for good telly.

The whole point of watching people watching TV is that it's fun, otherwise Gogglebox would have been the terrible idea some feared it would be before it became immensely popular.

Ex-cast member Paige Deville said the show was a 'pantomime behind the scenes', explaining that she got filmed watching things three times so the crew could get a range of responses and not accidentally miss out on anything.

She said cast members were also under strict instruction to pay attention to what was on the screen and couldn't spend the show looking at their phones.

Paige also said that producers 'prep you to say things' by letting them know there's a really good bit coming up.

They're here for their reactions, so they'd better react. (Channel 4)
They're here for their reactions, so they'd better react. (Channel 4)

Get a takeaway

It's not all strictness and regulations for the Gogglebox stars, part of the deal besides getting paid a bit of money is another perk.

The cast members of Gogglebox are paid for being on the show, though according to Pete Sandiford not enough to quit the day job entirely, but they also get treated to a takeaway during filming days.

Some of the homes featured in the show also seem to have plenty of a signature treat, as Pete and his sister Sophie are often seen drinking from their fine collection of novelty mugs, while the Manchester-based Malone family often have some sugary treats out in the living room.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 4

Topics: Gogglebox, Channel 4, TV and Film

Joe Harker
Joe Harker

Joe graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in Journalism and worked for Reach before joining the LADbible Group. When not writing he enjoys the nerdier things in life like painting wargaming miniatures and chatting with other nerds on the internet. He's also spent a few years coaching fencing. Contact him via [email protected]

X

@MrJoeHarker

Recommended reads

Doctor explains what to do if you have 'Pruritus ani' as two-thirds of men affected by bumhole issueGetty Stock ImageIran makes eleventh-hour deal after Trump threatens 'whole civilization will die'Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesLikely truth behind NASA video that sparked conspiracy theory Artemis II mission is being fakedNASATactics Trump could unleash on Iran tonight after threatening 'whole civilization will die'Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images

Advert

Choose your content:

12 hours ago
13 hours ago
14 hours ago
15 hours ago
  • Prime Video
    12 hours ago

    The Boys star reveals he 'saw some action' between real couples in graphic Herogasm episode

    The x-rated episode is certainly one to remember

    Entertainment
  • Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
    13 hours ago

    Dax Shepard addresses Kristen Bell’s ‘tone-deaf’ anniversary post for first time after wife faced intense backlash

    Some things are better left private

    Entertainment
  • YouTube/Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
    14 hours ago

    Frankie Muniz breaks down heartbreaking memory troubles after 'forgetting Malcolm in the Middle'

    Muniz has spoken out about his memory issues ahead of the reboot of Malcolm in the Middle

    Entertainment
  • Prime Video
    15 hours ago

    The Boys has three must-see episodes to watch ahead of season 5

    If you don't have time to rewatch all four seasons of The Boys - just read this instead

    Entertainment
  • Gogglebox fans left stunned after finding out Jenny's real age
  • Gogglebox fans horrified by 'absolutely grim' episode as Saltburn scene airs
  • Gogglebox viewers convinced fan-favourites have been replaced as they miss another week on the show
  • Gogglebox star Mummy Pat Webb dies aged 75