The Gogglebox stars 'not asked to return' after five new families sign up

As Gogglebox made its return on Friday evening, audiences have met five fresh families. In a dramatic cast overhaul, Channel 4 has offered fans a sneak peek at the sofa critics who'll be joining established favourites including Jenny and Lee, the Siddiquis, the Malones, Giles and Mary, amongst others.

In an unexpected turn of events, the show has revealed changes for series 26 following Joe and Roisin's disclosure that they had "not been asked back" for the current run, despite featuring on the programme for three and a half years.

Confirming their departure from Gogglebox, Joe and Roisin released a joint statement via Instagram in July.

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"After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa, Channel 4 have decided it's time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26. Therefore, we are leaving the Gogglebox family," they began.

"We couldn't be more grateful to Studio Lambert for the opportunity. The experience has actually been so mad, and we will miss watching TV with you all on Friday nights! It's been an honour to represent Scotland as some of the first Scottish people on the show and prove we don't actually need subtitles."

Joe and Roisin wrapped up by saying they had "made friends for life" whilst filming and would miss the cast and crew "immensely", stating: "Time to watch TV in silence for a bit and put down the popcorn."

Amongst the responses, numerous fans expressed they were "gutted" and branded Channel 4 "insane" for allowing the duo to depart.

In the months following their confirmed departure, Roisin has altered her Instagram biography, which now states: "Brutally axed from Gogglebox".

It comes as Channel 4's Gogglebox is set to welcome a fresh batch of armchair critics from across the country, including sisters from Edinburgh, a family from Surrey, pals from Glasgow, a married couple from the Cotswolds and a mother and daughter-in-law from Yorkshire.

Joining the critique crew are mates Jake (27) and Callum (31) from Glasgow, the Gordon family; Andre (49), Sarah (47) and their daughter Chee (25) from Surrey, married duo Andrew (62) and Alfie (32) from The Cotswolds, Mother and daughter-in-law, Sara (87) and Lara (58) from Yorkshire and Sisters, Rosie (68) and Susie (70) from Edinburgh.

Speaking about the cast reshuffle, Mike Cotton, the Creative Director of Gogglebox production firm, Studio Lambert, commented: " "We're thrilled to welcome some new households to the Gogglebox family. Along with our much-loved returning cast, we can't wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this week's most talked about TV "

Gogglebox favourites including David and Shirley Griffiths, Pete and Sophie Sandiford, Ellie and Izzi Warner, the Plummer family, Worthington family and Abbie Lynn and Georgia Bell also made their return to our TV screens

Gogglebox airs Friday nights on Channel 4 from 9pm.