Channel 4 viewers have accused Gogglebox of turning into 'Reform TV' following its coverage of the recent UK local elections. The episode, which aired on Friday, featured commentary from the show's cast on the significant gains made by the right-wing Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party faced heavy losses.
Cast Comments Spark Backlash
During the episode, cast member Lara Fawcett, sister of survivalist Bear Grylls, remarked, 'We like Reform, don’t we?' Her mother-in-law Sara added, 'I like Nigel Farage,' though she acknowledged that many of her friends 'think he’s awful.' Simon Minty commented, 'Whatever you think about them, there’s some appeal,' which drew significant backlash on social media.
Social Media Reactions
Social media users expressed dismay over the show's focus on Farage's political gains. X user Mario accused Channel 4 of 'promoting' Reform, while Rich described the episode as 'full-on Reform.' Darrxgh noted the show appeared to be 'glazing up Reform,' and Adriano_Magliocco asked on Threads, 'When did Gogglebox become Reform TV?' Meanwhile, Gemma insisted, 'We don’t want politics on Gogglebox.'
Criticism came from both sides of the political spectrum. Foster 'Twelvetrees' Whiteboard accused the show of 'piling on Starmer,' while Pundeag called it a 'hit job' on Farage. The reality likely lies in the middle, with Gogglebox's commentators representing a cross-section of society and diverse political views.
Cast Members Express Mixed Feelings
Daniella told her friend Danielle, 'I think everyone wants to mix it up... I’m just concerned about what we’re mixing it up with.' Simon admitted he 'didn’t like it' but acknowledged that Reform was 'tapping into' something people 'want to hear.' Julie of the Malone family said she felt 'so disillusioned' that she didn't know who to vote for. Shaun joked that he hoped Starmer could hold on until after the summer because 'he said he’ll let pubs stay open an extra two hours in the World Cup.'
Historical Context: The Michael Family
This is not the first time Gogglebox has faced controversy over political involvement. In 2014, Channel 4 dropped the Michael family after it was revealed that father Andy would stand as a UKIP MP. At the time, Channel 4 stated, 'Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down.' The family returned a year later after Andy failed to win his seat. Tragically, Andy died in 2021 after a short illness.
Earlier this month, former Gogglebox cast member Josh Tapper, who first appeared on the show at age 15 in 2013, successfully won a seat as a Labour councillor for the Underhill ward in the London Borough of Barnet. He said, 'From reversing Tory neglect on our green spaces to pioneering institutional change of mental health support, I’ve always shown that no matter how big the challenge, I’ll always take it on and get the job done.'
Metro has reached out to Channel 4 for comment. Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
