Entertainment
Gogglebox’s Malone family reveal why they were missing from first episode after sparking concern from fans-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
Fans are relieved to know the Malones will be back!
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Gogglebox has finally returned to our screens, and according to fans, it couldn’t have come at a better time as the Channel 4 show offered viewers some much-needed ‘comfort’ by its return.
However, while best friends Jenny and Lee, and sisters Ellie and Izzi took their seats on their sofas, one family were missing from the new season’s first episode.
‘Where are The Malones? Hope they haven’t left the show,’ one viewer penned, while another wrote: ‘Missed the Malones tonight!’
However, the Malones have broken their silence and revealed why they weren’t actually in the first episode.
The Malones have been favourites on the series since their first appearance in 2014, with dad Tom Senior and mum Julie frequently joined by three of their kids: Vanessa, Tom Jr and Shaun, although Tom Jr quit the programme in February 2021, after six years.
Sharing a video to Instagram in front of Disney World’s Epcot Center, the Malone family revealed they’re on holiday, but will be back to our screens soon.
Tom Sr, joined by his wife, Tom Jr and Vanessa, said: ‘Here we are on holiday. Jesus Christ you wouldn’t feel like you’re on holiday with this lot, I can tell you that.
The Malones have been a part of the show since 2014 (Picture: Channel 4/Jude Edginton)
‘Right, we’re in Florida so we’re not there for the first couple of shows are we.’
Julie jokingly added: ‘I thought it was Blackpool Tower?’
‘I stand corrected, Blackpool Tower!’ Tom added, continuing: ‘See you in a couple of weeks, enjoy the show! Starts without us, but we’ll be back soon.’
Fans are pretty relieved by the news, with one writing: ‘Super excited about the return,’ while another penned: ‘Thank goodness!! We panicked last night that you weren’t going to be in it anymore…’
They’ll be back soon! (Picture: Instagram @themalonesgb)
This comes after fans praised Channel 4 for providing some ‘escapism’ on Friday night, despite a shake-up in scheduled programming following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
In a statement issued to Metro.co.uk, Channel 4 emphasised that it has been ‘respectful’ by extending its news coverage surrounding the death of the Queen aged 96.
‘Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen,’ the statement read.
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The broadcaster continued to confirm that Gogglebox would air on Friday: ‘Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this. Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers.’
Friday’s episode was filmed prior to the Queen’s death, which happened on Thursday, September 8, while she was staying in Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
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The episode did not pay tribute to the Queen, given that it was recorded before she died but, should it air next week, viewers predict an outpouring of emotion from the sofa critics.
‘I’m sure there will be a full tribute next week’, one person said, while others are already preparing themselves for ‘floods of tears’.
It is yet to be confirmed whether Gogglebox will go ahead next Friday.
Gogglebox is available to watch on All4.
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