Entertainment
Gogglebox viewers divided over ‘hasty’ mention of Prince Philip’s death in voiceover
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Gogglebox viewers were divided by the mention of the death of the Queen’s husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in the opening voiceover for the latest episode, with one person describing it as a ‘weird start’.
On Friday April 9, the royal family announced that Prince Philip had died at the age of 99, with a statement saying that the Duke ‘passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle’.
While Channel 4 broadcast a 30-minute news special on the Duke, in addition to an obituary and an extended Channel 4 news programme at 7pm, the channel resumed its schedule as it ‘has a duty to offer an alternative to other channels’, the head of news and current affairs and sport said.
This meant that Gogglebox and the final of The Circle aired as planned at 9pm and 10pm respectively.
When Gogglebox began, viewers realised that the introduction had been rapidly changed to include mention of Prince Philip, with the voiceover stating: ‘In the week we bid farewell to His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we enjoyed lots of great telly.’
While some viewers praised Gogglebox for being so quick to alter the voiceover, others appeared bemused by the brief reference to the late royal.
‘“In the week we lost HRH Prince Philip, we enjoyed lots of tele” ????’ one person tweeted alongside a grimacing face emoji.
‘Weird start to #Gogglebox.. “In the week we lost Prince Phillip, we watched some great TV…”,’ someone else said.
‘*Hastily edited intro voiceover klaxon*’ another viewer remarked.
One person was taken aback by the speed with which Channel 4 updated its programme, writing: ‘“In the week we bid farewell to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh…” Blimey #Gogglebox got that in quick!’
‘Crikey! #Gogglebox’s voice over referencing Prince Phillip’s death. On the ball!!,’ another commented.
While Prince Philip was mentioned at the start of the programme, the stars of Gogglebox didn’t react to the news of his death on last night’s show.
It’s expected that their reactions to his death will be shown on next week’s episode.
During last night’s episode of Gogglebox, Pete Sandiford revealed that he and his fiancée Paige Yeomans are expecting a baby together.
Viewers became emotional at the unexpected announcement, with one fan tweeting: ‘As if Pete’s gonna be a dad bless him, I’m so happy for him.’
Gogglebox returns next Friday at 9pm on Channel 4 and is available to watch on All 4.
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