Strict rules Gogglebox cast members must follow

We all love cosying up in front of the TV to shut off for an hour and watch our favourite programme.

And for many of us, that includes watching other people doing just that. There’s so much entertainment in just watching a load of other people watching telly.

Obviously, we’re talking about Gogglebox.

It’s one of Channel 4’s most successful shows with a whopping 21 seasons as Brits just can’t get enough of it.

Over the years, we’ve met all kinds of brilliant families and households but often, we do have to say a sad goodbye to them.

And the most recent one hurts. After joining the original cast 10 years ago, the legend Stephen Webb has ended his time on Gogglebox.

After bagging a £1,500 per month salary for watching TV, the show staple has decided it’s time to leave.

He’s known for having some totally hilarious quips and comments as the programme depends on natural reactions from the cast.

But saying that, you’ve got to remember it is still television at the end of the day and therefore comes with strict rules for filming - as well as some other important factors.

Instagram/@jennyandlee_gogglebox

No alcohol

I know, I was sure I can picture members of the cast sipping on a cheeky glass of prosecco while they watch Saturday Night Takeaway too.

But there’s a particularly strict rule against alcohol. And you’ve probably not even noticed it, especially as they tend to sip from their favourite mugs on the sofa.

Producers put the rule in place to avoid the cast getting a little too merry and potentially slurring their words.

Former castmate Tom Malone Jr once confirmed this to The Sun, saying: "We weren’t allowed to order or drink alcohol, because I don’t think the show would work if we were all there slurring our words."

Instagram/@stephengwebb1971

Put on a show

Unsurprisingly, there’s a reason the reactions are so great; simply because they make sure of it.

Ex-cast member Paige Deville confessed Gogglebox is a ‘pantomime behind the scenes’, due to being prepped for scenes and having to watch shows multiple times to get a variety of responses.

She also said they were under instruction to not spend the show watching their phones – now that would be boring.

And Paige claimed the producers ‘prep you to say things’ with a heads up if something good is coming up.

Channel 4.

Enjoy your takeaway

Now this one doesn’t seem too hard. It’s a rule we’d certainly be more than happy to follow.

While the cast are paid for doing Gogglebox, it’s not enough to go full time according to current star Pete Sandiford.

But they do get treated to a tasty takeaway during filming – could be a lot worse.

Topics: TV And Film, Gogglebox, Channel 4

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_