Gogglebox viewers were left in tears as the popular Channel 4 series returned to screens on Saturday, March 11 for a one-off special to mark its 10-year anniversary. The programme, which sees a cast of armchair critics react to all the latest television shows, has been running since 2013, with the simple concept becoming a firm Friday night favourite in many living rooms across the country.
And while viewers have fallen in love with the show, they've also fallen in love with those on it. Over the years Gogglebox has featured some legendary cast members, many of whom were included in the 10-year anniversary special.
Just minutes into the milestone show, Channel 4 viewers were left in tears as clips of the late June and Leon Bernicoff, who were the first couple to ever be cast in Gogglebox, were featured. June left the series in 2018 following the death of Leon in December 2017, the retired teacher then sadly passed away after a short illness in 2020.
Mary Cook, who died at 92 in August 2021, was also remembered and the voice of the late narrator Caroline Aherne opened the programme as the first-ever episode was shown on screens, reports the Daily Star. Leon and June were also remembered by Channel 4 with a poignant snap that was shared on social media after the show aired.
Posting a picture of the original cast members in their living room, the broadcaster wrote: "A still taken from Series 1, Episode 1 of Gogglebox, which aired on Thursday 7th March 2013. RIP to the absolute icons that are Leon & June."
Many viewers were left emotional by the tributes, as one wrote on Twitter: "Hearing Caroline Aherne and seeing Leon made me cry," while another added: "Watching the Gogglebox 10-year special and seeing Leon and June made me weep + I can’t believe how young everyone looks."
And a third said: "Love remembering all the #Gogglebox lot, like Leon and June, with this special." Others were left emotional as they reflected on the coronavirus episodes, with one writing: "Found the Coronavirus briefing bits quite emotional. Those eps will genuinely be an essential source of social history from the period won’t it?"
While another added: "Coffee on a bench with one person… the strangest time #Gogglebox10Years." And a third stated: "Watching the families watching the daily briefings from the coronavirus pandemic seem such a long time ago it’s like it was all a bad dream just crazy." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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