Is Gogglebox still on tonight? Channel 4 bosses reveal how show works with social distancing rules
6 November 2020, 12:23
Will Gogglebox continue filming through the second lockdown in England and are they adhering to social distancing rules? Here's everything we know...
During these tough times, there is nothing that will cheer us up more than the likes of The Siddiqui Family, The Malones and Giles and Mary having a giggle on Gogglebox.
And while England may now be in a second lockdown, it seems as though the Channel 4 favourite will continue to air on Friday evenings.
So, is Gogglebox on and how is it still filming? Find out everything…
Is Gogglebox still on tonight?
Unlike other TV shows, Gogglebox bosses have said it will continue to film during the second coronavirus lockdown.
During the first lockdown back in March, Channel 4 producers implemented changes to filming to make sure that it can continue to air every Friday evening at 9pm.
The key difference is that the cast, including Jenny and Lee, no longer welcome the camera crew into their homes.
Instead, they have stationary cameras in their living rooms without any contact with production staff.
Ian Katz, Channel 4's director of programming previously said: "The coronavirus outbreak is an enormous creative challenge for all broadcasters and though it is having a profound impact on getting some of our productions onto screen.
"It’s also a time when public service broadcasters like Channel 4 can step up and help people navigate through the extraordinary challenges we all now face.”
This comes after the show received 163 Ofcom complaints earlier this year, when sisters Izzi and Ellie appeared in the same room.
Izzi was temporarily replaced by Ellie's boyfriend Nat, as the sisters don't live together, but she returned a few weeks later sitting two metres away from her sister.
There was such an uproar, that Channel 4 was forced to release a statement, explaining: “Most of the families live together but where they don’t, they are complying with PHE [Public Health England] social distancing guidelines.
“Gogglebox will only film with families where it’s safe to do so. The health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount.”
Read More: Who are Stephen Webb and his husband Daniel from Gogglebox and how old are they?
Some viewers were also left questioning why other stars can still appear together - including brother and sister Sophie and Pete and caravan pals Jenny and Lee.
But while Sophie and Pete live together, pals Jenny and Lee decided to self isolate together in Lee's caravan.
After fans questioned why they were still filming back in April, Lee replied on Twitter: "Well what can we say it’s Friday and it’s still on #Gogglebox," he wrote, continuing: "Jenny and me watching together as we are both on lockdown TOGETHER friends with no benefits I may add an hour of laughs stay safe stay well #StayHomeSavesLives."
