Gogglebox viewers threaten to 'switch off' as series 'is not getting better'

Gogglebox returned to Channel 4 on Friday, September 19, but it didn't get off to a good start with viewers claiming they were never going to watch again. Taking to social media, they vented their annoyance at the show. Writing on X, one said: "What's happened to #gogglebox? First time I've watched the new series & it'll be the last! Pile of s****!" A second complained: "What have you done to #Gogglebox, @Channel4. Far too many new people and far too 'bitty'. This is the third episode, and it's not getting better. And don't get me started on the woman whose glasses need windscreen wipers."

Much of the ire was reserved for the new cast members who haven't endeared themselves to viewers just yet. "First time I've seen #Gogglebox this series. Jesus all the new people are annoying" one commented. "#gogglebox what rubbish will the new ones come out with this week!" another asked.

"I have no time for new goggleboxers. Get the Glasgow couple back!" another viewer implored.

However, some people defended the new cast with one writing: "I know people don't like the new goggleboxers, but they aren't too annoying. Remember that woman who used to talk s**t to her son Seb all the time, those boring men who liked chess and the other randomers over the years. Could be way worse."

Gogglebox introduced five new groups of armchair critics for the 26th season,which began on Channel 4 on September 5.

They are friends Jake, 27, and Calum, 31, from Glasgow, married couple Andrew, 62, and Alfie, 32, who reside in The Cotswolds and the Gordon family, made up of couple Andre, 49, and Sarah, 47, as well as their 25-year-old daughter Chee.

Also joining the show were Sara, 87, and her daughter-in-law Lara, 58, and sisters, Rosie, 68, and Susie, 70, who hail from Edinburgh

The new cast members have joined the show's regulars; Jenny and Lee, The Siddiquis, The Malones, Giles and Mary, Ellie and Izzi and David and Shirley.

The Plummers, Amira and Amani, the Worthingtons, Pete and Sophie, Abbie and Georgia, Sue and Steve, Simon and Jane, Ronnie and Annie, Danielle and Daniella, Teresa and Anita and Michael, Sally, Jake and Harry have also returned to the show.

One duo who aren't making a comeback are Glasgow-based couple Roisin and Joe, who were axed from the programme three years after they joined in 2022.

Gogglebox is on Channel 4 at 9pm on Friday nights.