This week's edition of the hit Channel 4 programme Gogglebox, which has viewers watching ordinary people watching television, is to go ahead as planned - because Channel 4 said they feel it will bring a 'valuable sense of continuity' for many of their viewers.
There had been speculation that up-to-the-present programmes like Gogglebox, which shows people watching what has been on television this week, would be scrapped for a time, with the death of the Queen and other channels like the BBC clearing their schedules to cover it.
But Gogglebox is to air tonight as planned, marking the start of the 20th series of the show. It is expected to focus on the death of the monarch.
Read more: Bristol mourns the death of Her Majesty the Queen - updates
The statement from a Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this. Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers," they added.
Channel 4's regular Friday afternoon programmes, like Countdown and a double edition of A Place In The Sun are on this afternoon, but the broadcaster is airing a news special that lasts for over three hours from 5.55pm this evening, with Gogglebox following at 9pm.
Read next:
- UK in mourning following the death of Her Majesty the Queen - updates
- How Bristol paid tribute to the Queen and her 'unwavering devotion'
- What will happen today after death of Queen Elizabeth
- Queen Elizabeth II dies: A lifetime of service to the nation
- Schools to be given closure guidance following death of Queen
