Gogglebox bosses looking for Scottish families following complaints
No Scots have appeared on the show since 2016
Last updated 27th May 2022
Ever since it first hit our TV screens way back in 2013, Channel 4 show Gogglebox has been a huge hit with viewers, with popular cast members such as Jenny and Lee, The Malones, and Pete and Sophie.
However, if you're from Scotland you've probably noticed that there's a huge lack of Scottish cast members, with the last coming in 2016 in the form of the Manuel family, who actually lived in Croydon at the time.
Well, it looks like things could be about to change as Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has questioned the broadcaster during a Scottish affairs committee meeting in Westminster, according to the BBC.
Chief executive Alex Mahon said: "It would be better to have a Scottish family" and Channel 4 have now "agreed a separate budget for a dedicated casting team specifically tasked with finding a suitable Scottish family".
She later added: "The casting period is already under way and will run up to Christmas. The ambition is to identify at least one Scottish family who will become part of the Gogglebox cast for the next series, which will air in the new year."
According to reports, the broadcaster received a number of complaints about the matter, as well as the fact the show over-emphasises English events on the programme.
Chairman of the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster, Pete Wishart MP, later said: "We are bursting at the seams with talent in Scotland, and I am pleased to hear Channel 4's efforts to harness this potential."
"A theme which came up in our evidence session was the lack of a Scottish family on Gogglebox. It is clear some have approached the channel with similar concern, often offering themselves as an option. I am therefore pleased to see a dedicated team tasked with this and look forward to seeing the successful family on our screens in the new series."
Check out the current Gogglebox cast below:
Ellie and Izzi Warner
Sisters Ellie and Izzi Warner from Leeds have also become fan favourites after first joining the show in 2015.
Izzi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Bessie Rose in early 2020, whilst Ellie recently announced she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend Nat.
In early 2022, Izzi also introduced fans to her brand new puppy called Cookie.
Ellie and Izzi took a break from Gogglebox during season 19, following Ellie's boyfriend Nat being left 'fighting for his life' after he was hit by a car during a night out in Leeds in March. Ellie later revealed on 13th May that her and sister Izzi would be returning to our screens that night, thanking fans for their well wishes.
Ellie and Izzi returned for series 24.
Pete and Sophie
Brother and sister duo Pete and Sophie Sandiford have become one of the most popular castings in Gogglebox history! The funny siblings first joined the cast in 2017.
It seems that comedy runs in the family for these two, with the recent revelation that the pair are related to none other than Paul Chuckle himself!
After getting married to his girlfriend Paige Yeomans, the pair welcomed their first child into the world in 2021, with little Jimmy already making an appearance on Gogglebox. In December 2022, Pete then confirmed Paige is pregnant with the couple's second child.
During series 21, Pete confirmed the birth of his second child, and the pair returned for series 24.
Jenny and Lee
Best friends Jenny and Lee are also back, they first joined the show on series 4 back in 2014! The pair have us in fits of giggles with their banter both on and off the show.
Jenny and Lee, who film the show from Lee's caravan in Hull, have been best friends for over 20 years and often delight fans by sharing throwback photos of each other.
In series 19, Jenny and Lee took a break from the show after Jenny underwent surgery for a minor illness. However, the pair were back for series 20 and have appeared on the show since.
The Malone family
The Malone family, made up of Tom, Julie, Tom Jnr and Shaun, are one of the most popular families with fans. They first joined the cast in 2014.
In February 2021, just one day before series 17, Tom Jr announced he'd quit the show.
In March 2021, Tom and Julie's daughter Vanessa joined the show! During series 20, the Malone family also introduced their brand new puppy. In October 2023, the family revealed the sad news that their beloved dog Dave had sadly passed away.
Abbie and Georgia
Durham girls Abbie and Georgia first joined the show back in 2018.
In 2022, just one month before series 19 hit our screens, Georgia announced she was expecting her first baby. After giving birth to a baby boy in July, baby Hugh James Newby occasionally appears.
Dave and Shirley
Welsh couple Dave and Shirley, who have been married for over 40 years, first joined the show back in 2015 and have been fan favourites since.
The Siddiqui family
The Siddiqui family, made up of Umar, Baasit and their dad Sid, have become Gogglebox legends since joining the show back in series 1.
Brother Raza also occasionally makes an appearance on the show, but due to working away, he can't always commit to filming.
Giles and Mary
Gogglebox fans fell in love with Giles and his wife Mary when they joined the cast in 2015, mainly due to Giles' hilarious stories... Much to Mary's annoyance.
The Worthingtons
The Worthingtons, made up of Alison, her husband George and her daughter Helena, joined the cast in series 10. In 2019, Helena welcomed a baby boy called Edwin, and he's already made his debut.
Amira and Iqra
Amira and Iqra first joined the show back in 2017 with their other friend Amani, but now it's just the two of them leaving viewers in stitches with their comments.
Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan
Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan, brothers from Bristol, joined back in 2016, quickly becoming a big hit with viewers.
Simon and Jane
Joining the cast for series 18, Simon and his sister Jane appeared on the box for the first time on 22nd October 2021 and have been regular cast members since.
Ronnie and Annie
Joining the cast in November 2021 was Ronnie and his wife Annie!
Roisin and Joe
Unveiled as brand new cast members on Friday 25th February 2022, young couple Roisin and Joe are the first Scottish people to appear on the show since 2016!
Danielle and Daniella
Best friends Danielle and Daniella from Leeds joined the show during series 20 in 2022.
Elaine and Seb
Mother and son duo Elaine and Seb made their debut on the show during the opening episode of series 22 in September 2023. The pair are from Forest of Dean.
Teresa ad Anita
Married couple Teresa and Anita from Solihull joined the show for series 23.
Michael, Sally, Jake and Harry
Ahead of episode four of series 24, Gogglebox bosses announced a brand new family had joined the show, in the form of Michael, Sally, Jake and Harry from Kent.
Unfortunately, if you were thinking about applying for Gogglebox, there's no actual application process.
Following a number of exits from the current cast earlier this year, Executive Producer Victoria Ray recently told The Daily Star earlier this year: "There are going to be new faces. They'll be joining during the current series.
"We pick people who don't want to be on telly. The ideal people are ones who don't know that they're funny," adding that they should also be "charismatic and engaging."
Meanwhile, series 18 of Gogglebox continues every Friday night at 9pm on Channel 4.
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