Gogglebox icon Jenny in tears and fans left 'absolutely bawling' at heartbreaking tribute on show

There wasn't a dry eye in the house last night (3 May) as Brits were left 'absolutely bawling' while watching Gogglebox.

The Channel 4 show is largely quite comical, as the TV critics take a no holds barred approach to reviewing what's on the telly - but occasionally, there are programmes which are a bit more poignant.

In Friday night's Gogglebox, our favourite commentators were tuning into shows including The 1% Club, Inside Windsor Castle, Jack Osbourne's Night of Terror, MILF Manor and ITV News.

As you can see, there was plenty of variation, so it made for quite the entertaining episode.

But viewers were unexpectedly left with a lump in their throat and tears filling up their eyes as the Gogglebox gang watched a snippet of The Piano.

Jenny Newby and Lee Riley were seen getting emotional (Channel 4)

It follows The Traitors star Claudia Winkleman, Lollipop singer Mika and pianist Lang Lang as they aim to track down some of the UK's most promising amateur pianists as they perform in some of the nation's busiest train stations.

The contestants aren't aware that while they are tickling the ivories in front of commuters at hectic transport hubs such as London St Pancras, they are actually being judged by the trio.

Whoever impresses Lang Lang and Mika then have the chance to compete in front of thousands of people in the show's grand finale.

During last night's Gogglebox, viewers were left sobbing after meeting one of the sweetest contestants to ever grace The Piano, an elderly gentleman named Duncan who suffers from dementia.

The 80-year-old explained that he had been playing the piano since the tender age of four, before introducing his wife of 42 years, Fran - who said she knew he was the one for her from the moment they met.

The Gogglebox gang were watching Duncan's appearance on the BBC show The Piano (Channel 4)

As he performed on The Piano in front of an adoring crowd at Waterloo Station, Duncan announced he would be dedicating his performance to his beloved other half.

Discussing how her husband's condition has affected their relationship, Fran said: "There is a vulnerability there now that wasn't there before and there is an awful lot more that I need to do... the future is unknown.

"Duncan is everything to me, I would have him in any situation rather than not have him."

All of this proved a bit too much for Gogglebox legend Jenny Newby, who films alongside her best pal Lee Riley in his caravan in Hull.

Stifling back tears, she said: "Don't tell me he's got dementia or that will set me off."

Jenny was extremely moved by Duncan's talent, performance and tribute to his wife and couldn't help but cry.

She then added, "I'm sorry, I can't," before she put her head into her hands while overcome by emotion.

The 80-year-old and his wife Fran were dubbed 'relationship goals' by viewers. (Channel 4)

The Worthington's were also in a similar state, while Shirley and her husband Dave also let a few tears fall.

Sisters Izzi and Ellie Warner managed to lighten the mood a bit as they asked: "Where's my Duncan? I want a Duncan! Is that too much to ask? You do not get this in this day and age, do you? Men in 2024 are scraping the barrel!"

Gogglebox fans then took to social media to share their thoughts on the emotional episode.

One said: "In absolute bits again watching Duncan play #Gogglebox."

Another added: "I’m absolutely bawling here at Duncan playing the piano."

A third wrote: "Thanks Gogglebox I need to watch The Piano now. The generation Duncan is from is so wonderfully romantic. His sweet words towards his wife just makes u smile. That type of love is a rarity these days.

"A timeless type of love. Dementia tries to ruin it, but love overcomes it."

A fourth chimed in: "Everyone deserves someone that looks at them the way Duncan looks at Fran. Gorgeous."

While a fifth commented: "Now I'm crying at The Piano all over again. #Gogglebox."

Topics: Gogglebox, Music, Channel 4, TV, Health

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_