Former Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr has shared the unusual rules families must stick to if they want to stay on the Channel 4 show.
The 27-year-old reality star turned professional dancer quit the show in 2021, but the rest of his family Tom Sr, mum Julie and brother Shaun remain Gogglebox regulars.
Tom joined the show back in 2014, and let fans know some behind the scenes details from his seven year stint during an Instagram Q&A.
Tom was asked by one of his 300k followers if he has stayed in touch with anyone from Gogglebox other than his family, before making the shocking revelation.
As reported in the Mirror, he replied: "So the weird thing with Gogglebox is, if you’re on the show, you’re not allowed to meet up with anyone else that is on the show – unless it’s like an awards show you’re invited to or something.
“But I still speak to a few people on social media and I still speak to all the crew and stuff – and see my mum and dad sometimes.”
Another fan said "How many random people ask you how Dave the dog is?!"
Dave is one of the Malone family’s Rottweilers, who regularly steals scenes when they are starring in Gogglebox.
Tom said: “Honestly, it’s pretty much every single person that stops me. It’s mad.”
The dancer – who is currently starring on new E4 reality The Real Dirty Dancing – added: “It really is Dave’s world and we’re just living in it.”
Tom announced he was quitting Gogglebox last February – just a day before the new series was due to air.
Revealing the news on social media, he shared a snap of himself jokingly holding up a cardboard sign which read: "Back on the market. Get at me with any TV work".
He captioned the post: "So after 6 and a half years it’s finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye to Gogglebox.
"I've loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them."
He continued: "I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid [laughing emoji]".
Since leaving the show, Tom has firmly established himself as a choreographer off-screen and even stepped into the world of TikTok videos.
The dance sensation is also a member of a professional dance crew and has shown off his moves alongside the likes of The Black Eyed Peas, Rita Ora and Wiley.
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