Scottish Gogglebox fan-favorite Roisin Kelly has revealed the true reasons behind her and Joe’s unexpected exit from the Channel 4 show, which returned for its 26th series without the cherished pair over the weekend.
In an open TikTok video, the Glasgow-native TV personality discussed their sudden departure after three and a half years, shedding light on the actual circumstances that led to their exit.
Starting the video, Roisin explained, “Gogglebox was back on last night, and we received many comments asking ‘where are Joe and Roisin’. We were ‘brutally axed’.”
“We were not invited back for series 26. They expressed their desire to steer the show in a new direction, moving away from our setting. There’s no elaborate backstory to it,” Roisin clarified.
The departure of the Scottish duo surprised Gogglebox fans, with many deeming the decision as ‘unbelievable’.
Despite this, Roisin and Joe have maintained a positive outlook on the situation, with Roisin updating her Instagram bio to reflect being ‘brutally axed from Gogglebox’, as per the Daily Record.
The couple has been replaced by two new Scottish pairs – sisters Suzie, 70, and Rosie, 68 from Edinburgh, and best friends Callum, 31, and Jake, 27, from Glasgow, who are among the five new households joining the Channel 4 show.
Roisin clarified that there are no hard feelings between her, Joe, and the production crew, stating, “We had great relationships with all the producers, which makes it sad. Initially, one needs to set aside any ego about being removed.”
“I am not aware of who made the decision. I believe it was Channel 4’s call, but the specifics within Channel 4 remain unknown. Therefore, there’s no use in speculating as you’ll never have all the answers,” she added.
“We had a fantastic experience on the show. One should be grateful for the opportunity. Not everyone can say they were part of Gogglebox and got paid to watch TV,” Roisin expressed.
When asked about a potential return to Gogglebox, Roisin mentioned, “I don’t think that’s on the table.”
She humorously remarked, “If you find out who to ask, put in a good word for me as well. Free Joe and Roisin – bring us back.”
However, Roisin disclosed that she and Joe have their eyes set on another show, saying, “If anyone knows how to get us on Race Across the World, maybe we’ll do that instead.”
Regarding rumors of appearing on I’m a Celebrity, Roisin commented, “Sitting on your couch for three years watching TV probably doesn’t qualify you for I’m A celeb, but it’s nice to be part of the speculation.”
The well-liked Scottish pair announced their departure from the upcoming season of the Channel 4 program at the end of July through a joint statement.
They expressed, “After three and a half years of being on the couch, Channel 4 has decided it’s time for Joe and me to move on and have not invited us back for season 26. Therefore, we are bidding farewell to the Gogglebox family.”
“It’s been a privilege to represent Scotland as some of the first Scottish individuals on the show and prove that subtitles are unnecessary. We have forged lifelong friendships, and after filming every week for years, the crew has become like family. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with, and we will miss them dearly.”
Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4 at 9 pm.