Meet the Gogglebox cast – the families and their jobs in real life

From Jenny and Lee, to The Malone family, here’s all the cast of Gogglebox.

By Grace Henry

Published: Thursday, 16 September 2021 at 12:00 am

Channel 4’s Gogglebox returns for a brand new series on Friday, 17th September.

Some of our fave armchair critics will be back to give their commentary on the latest television shows, from the biggest news stories, to the most embarrassing TV moments, hugely gripping dramas and tear-jerking documentaries.

Sadly, there’s been some changes to the cast this year. Several Gogglebox families have exited the show, following the deaths of stars Pete, Mary and Andy.

In June, Pete McGarry, who regularly appeared alongside his wife Linda, passed away after a short illness. His wife Linda has since stepped down from the show.

Two months later in August, Mary Cook died in hospital at the age of 92. She had been a huge favourite among fans after joining the show in 2016, and appearing alongside her friend Marina Wingrove. Marina won’t appear on the new series.

The same month, Gogglebox announced that Andy Michael had died aged 61, following a short illness. Andy had been part of the show since the first series aired in 2013, taking part with his wife Carolyne and their children Louis, Alex, Katie and Pascal. The family have decided to step away from the series, following their loss.

Executive Producer Victoria Ray has said, however, that the door will remain open for affected cast members if they wish to return later down the line.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Gogglebox cast for 2021.

Anne and Ken

The couple who – like The Moffatts – hail from County Durham, are the only new cast members this series.

The duo was introduced to millions of viewers at home as “a couple who have been married for 50 years”.

And it’s clear love is still in the air. On their very first appearance on the show, Ken presented Anne with a bouquet of roses – one for every year they’ve been together.

Giles and Mary

The creative couple have become firm favourites with viewers for their quirky style and furniture – one of their armchairs matches their wallpaper.

It’s also believed the pair are close pals of Boris Johnson and his sister Rachel.

What are their real jobs? Giles is an artist and Mary is best known for being the Spectator’s resident agony aunt as well as a self-styled queen of etiquette.

Ellie and Izzi

Instagram: @ellie__warner and @izziwarner

Twitter: @ellieandizzi

Sisters Ellie and Lizzi from Leeds first joined the show back in 2015, and were originally worried about whether viewers would be interested in them.

Five years on, and the self-confessed “couch potatoes” are one of the most popular duos on the show, cracking us up with their hilarious banter and love of food.

What are their real jobs? Izzi is a mum-of-two to five-year-old son Bobby and newborn baby Bessie Rose. Her elder sister, Ellie, is a hairdresser in Leeds.

Jenny and Lee

Twitter: @Leegogglebox

The hilarious pair film Gogglebox inside a caravan in Hull. And while many think they’re mother and son or husband and wife, they’re actually just friends.

They landed their spot on the show when Jenny met two of the show’s researchers at Beverley Races Ladies’ Day and they reportedly signed her up on the spot.

They share a Twitter account, which is worth a follow.

What are their real jobs? It’s not clear caravan besties Jenny and Lee do for a living, however, they met when Jenny was the landlady of the Crown Inn pub in Paull and Lee was a regular customer.

Amira and Iqra

Instagram: @amira_gogglebox

Twitter: @Amirasrota and @JustIqs

The two friends from London first joined the show in series 10 with their friend Amani, however Amira and Iqra now appear as a duo – oh, and with the cat.

Their infectious giggles have us in stitches.

Pete and Sophie

Instagram: @sandifordpete and @sophiesandiford1

Twitter: @PeteandSophie

Jobs: Sophie works as a shop window dresser in Blackpool, while Pete reportedly has a job in insurance.

Although they’re quite new to the show, having joined in 2018, Pete and Sophie have made a great impression on viewers.

The brother and sister duo have us in fits of laughter with their take on the week’s TV.

Im 2021, Pete became a dad for the first time.

The Siddiquis

Instagram: @thesiddiquis

Twitter: @goggleboxsid, @baasitsiddiqui, @umarksiddiqui

Baasit, Umar and their dad Sid are regulars on the show and much-loved by viewers. The family hail from Derby and others members of the family, such as sibling Raza and mum often make an appearance as well.

What are their real jobs? Retired Sid qualified as a Power Engineer from the University of Derby and previously worked for the NHS for 37 years. Umar has worked in the NHS as a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology at the Royal Derby Hospital for close to 17 years, while Baasit has been a teacher in a secondary school since 2007.

The Plummers

Twitter: @thegoggleboxbros

Instagram: @trissy101, @twaineaplummer, @trem_vi

Brothers Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan Plummer joined Gogglebox in series eight.

They film from their home in Bristol, and are sports mad, with Tristan even playing semi-professionally from Bristol FC between 2007 and 2010.

What are their real jobs? Tristan is a winger for Hereford FC and Twaine plays for Bradford Town, while Tremaine is a chef.

John and Beryl

The pair joined in 2012, although they haven’t revealed much about their private lives on the show.

Beryl did, however, mention that John retired around 12 years ago.

David and Shirley

Twitter: @DaveAndShirley

David and Shirley have been married for 40 years and have two children together. They joined the show in 2015, and film from the comfort of their home in Wales.

What are their real jobs? Dave, 62, is a cleaner in a factory, and Shirley, 62, works in retail. Dave is also a keen baker on the side, so we could well be seeing him on The Great British Bake Off, if he has his way!

The Ven Family

Channel 4

Twitter: @MicaAndTheGang

South Londoners Marcus, Mica, Sachelle and Shuggy joined Gogglebox in series 11.

Their outgoing personalities and Marcus’ hilarious comments have made them very popular on the show.

Abbie and Georgia

Another pair of Gogglebox members from Durham are Abbie and Georgia. The friends have been on the show since 2018. Their classic moments are numerous but they are best known for reacting to that John Lewis ad in 2018 when they questioned whether Your Song was first performed by Ellie Goulding or Elton John…

Paige and Sally

Twitter: @Paige_deville

Mother and daughter duo Paige and Sally – who hail from Birmingham – joined the show last year.

What are their real jobs? While mum Sally, 53, cares for the disabled and elderly, Paige, 23, works as a business development manager.

The Malones

Twitter: @TheMalonesGB

One of the longest-serving families on the show, having joined back in series four, The Malone family is a firm fan-favourite.

They’re known for the straight-to-the-point remarks, huge food portions and adorable dogs who aren’t camera shy.

As of series 17, Tom Jnr will no longer appear on the Channel 4 show.

What are their real jobs? Tom Sr is a lorry driver, mum Julie is a receptionist. Tom Jnr is a freelance model and street dance choreographer – he’s even performed with the Black Eyed Peas and appeared in Billy Elliott until he turned his hand to coaching football.

Daniel and Stephen

Twitter: @Stephenwebb71 and @lustig75

Stephen first appeared on Gogglebox along with his then-boyfriend Chris. However, the pair split and he’s now joined by husband Daniel who first started appearing in 2019. Daniel has now left the show after parting ways with Stephen.

What are their real jobs? In real life Stephen is a hairdresser in Brighton.

The Worthingtons

Channel 4

Alison and her husband George joined the series in series 10 alongside their daughter, Helena. The family, who reside in Manchester, welcomed a new addition to the family earlier this year after Helena gave birth to baby boy, Edwin. Cute!

Previous Goggleboxers

The Michaels

Instagram: @alexmichael_x

Twitter: @Louisxmichael and @MichaelFamilyMa

The Michael family live in Brighton and had been regulars and favourites on the show since the beginning.

Occasionally, Louis joined his parents Andrew and Carolyne on the sofa, and in previous years his sister Alex also appeared on the show.

Sadly, it was announced that Gogglebox star Andy Michael had died aged 61 following a short illness.

The family have since exited the show.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Andy will be truly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. pic.twitter.com/9swH4JA0RN
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) August 27, 2021

Mary and Marina

Mary and Marina joined the show in 2016, and quickly became faves on the show.

Despite their age, the ladies were young at heart, and weren’t afraid to have a laugh. They often got distracted talking about their love lives.

In August 2021, Gogglebox favourite Mary Cook died aged 92.

Marina decided to step away from the series, as she penned a heartfelt message to her friend.

A tribute from Marina to Mary.

“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” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wPKIuHm0wL
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) September 15, 2021

Radio Times