Gogglebox has now graced the nation's screens for almost a decade.
In that time the nation has fallen in love with watching families and friends getting their weekly dose of top shows. We laugh with them, cry with them and look forward to seeing them on the Channel 4 show each week.
Many cast members have come and gone on the unusual styled show - some have moved on to become celebs such as Scarlett Moffatt, some left for personal reasons, including Liverpool's very own Emma and David and others have sadly passed away, such as the beloved Leon and June.
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Over its nine-year run, it has gathered millions of devoted fans - many of whom mark the start of the weekend by tuning in. Sadly, you can't apply to be on the show. Here's how some of our favourite families were selected to take part.
The Malones originally turned the producers down
The much-loved family was approached at a dance studio where Tom Jr taught and Julie helped out on reception. Julie previously told the Manchester Evening News : "Tom Senior said no.
"We explained about the rottweilers and the staffie but they still wanted us. They came over and had a chat, and took a video of us chatting. Three weeks later someone rang and said we like you, and Tom changed his mind.”
Giles and Mary came recommended
Gogglebox co-creator Tania Alexander told Radio Times Giles and Mary were recommended to her by a "friend of a friend". She said: "Then I think I got [producer] Lucy Whelan to call to see if they were interested.
"Lucy came off the phone and said Giles is quite keen, Mary's not a pushover – we've got a bit of a battle on our hands there." The couple were eventually persuaded to join the cast after taking part in a fun 'taster' session.
Mary has previously said appearing on the show with husband Giles has brought them closer together and "saved their marriage". Mary said the two, who have nicknamed each other 'Nutty', were like “ships that pass in the night” before they joined the cast of the Channel 4 show.
Reverend Kate Bottley was found from a viral video
Back in 2013, Kate was officiating a wedding when she suddenly led a flash mob into the aisles. The video, which saw guests dancing to 90s hit "Everybody Dance Now" went viral, and the Gogglebox producers were soon knocking on her door.
Speaking about her decision to appear in the show, Kate previously told the Telegraph : “People say to me, 'you’re just like Dawn French’ [in The Vicar of Dibley], but she’s not a vicar. She’s a brilliant actress. So I thought it was an opportunity to show that vicars are just normal people."
The Tapper family were originally considered for another show
Channel 4 had initially considered Nikki Tapper for another programme, Jewish Mum Of The Year. She previously told the Sunday Post: "I'd just recovered from breast cancer and my mum nominated me.
"But I ended up not going on it – actually Jonathan didn't want me to do it. The researcher, who came round and met the kids, must have kept my number and phoned out of the blue saying she was helping out with this small four-week programme."
It was, of course, Gogglebox. The family almost didn't sign up, though. Nikki explained: "I didn't understand how it would be done and I didn't think Jonathan would have any interest in being on TV."
The Siddiquis also came recommended
One of just two households who have been on Gogglebox since its beginning - the other being Stephen Webb, who first appeared with his ex Chris - the Siddiquis were recommended to Gogglebox producers, according to Closer.
The boys’ mum Nasreen has explained why she has never appeared in front of the camera and never will. She told the Daily Mail : "Oh no, it's not something for me. I don't speak very good English and I'm very shy. It's best left to the boys. You won't get me on the TV."
The Moffatts were chosen by Scarlett's friend
The Moffatts joined Gogglebox in 2014, and quickly became a fan favourite due to Scarlett's hilarious quips. She has since won I'm a Celebrity... and had presenting roles on Saturday Night Takeaway and other shows.
Speaking to Grazia, she told of how the Gogglebox job came about. Scarlett said: "I never planned to be on TV. I was 23 and working in Asda when my friend Tommy asked me about Gogglebox.
"He worked on the show and couldn’t find anyone to audition in the north east so asked if I’d do it, to help him out.I went down to the auditions and my mum came during her lunch hour, too.
"The next day they said they wanted us on the show and we had two days to decide. I remember thinking, ‘It’s £50 and a free takeaway, what’s the worst that can happen?’."
Stephen and Chris were discovered while at work
According to Closer, producers simply popped into a hairdressers and asked if anyone would like to be on telly. Chris, who worked at the salon, was up for it and became a firm favourite until series 10 with his then partner Stephen.
In 2017, Chris quit the programme to "pursue other opportunities". Stephen remains on the show with his husband Daniel Lustig.
Pete and Sophie appeared in an advert first
Pete and Sophie were scouted for Gogglebox after starring in two adverts for Talk Talk's This Stuff Matters campaign, with Pete's face even appearing on billboards. The pair, from Blackpool, are brother and sister. There's just two years between them, and they have a close bond and spend a lot of time together.
The siblings have viewers in stitches with their hilarious quips - and it seems comedy must run in their genes. Their uncle Paul is better known as Paul Chuckle, of Chuckle Brothers fame.
Leon and June were scouted at a bridge club
It was after a trip to the Bridge club in 2012 that the late Leon and June became household names. Leon came back to the house and told June that two young researchers, looking for people of a certain age to appear in a new show called Gogglebox, had paid a visit – and Leon’s hand went up immediately!
“We’re going to be stars!” he excitedly told June, who was more than a little cool – well, more disbelieving – about the whole thing: “Get real!” she told him. “People like us aren’t on TV.” But it wasn’t long before they were – the first episode aired on March 7, 2013 – and viewers soon found a place for them in their hearts.
Sadly, Leon died in December 2017. June later died in May 2020, at the age of 82.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4 and All4
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