Scottish Gogglebox fan-favorite Roisin Kelly has revealed the truth behind her and Joe’s unexpected exit from the Channel 4 show, which returned for its 26th series without the beloved pair over the weekend.
In a candid ‘get ready with me’ video on TikTok, the Glasgow-born television personality discussed their abrupt departure after three and a half years, shedding light on the reasons for their leaving.
Starting the video, Roisin explained, “When Gogglebox returned last night, many comments asked ‘where are Joe and Roisin’. We were ‘brutally axed’.
“We weren’t invited back for series 26. They expressed a desire to take the show in a different direction, away from our home. There’s no elaborate backstory to it.”
The exit of the Scottish duo surprised Gogglebox fans, with many considering the decision to be completely ‘insane’.
Nonetheless, Roisin and Joe have maintained a positive outlook on the situation, with Roisin updating her Instagram bio to reflect being ‘brutally axed from Gogglebox,’ as reported by the Daily Record.
The couple’s spots are now filled by two new Scottish pairs – sisters Suzie, 70, and Rosie, 68 from Edinburgh, and best friends Callum, 31, and Jake, 27, from Glasgow, among five new households joining the Channel 4 show.
Roisin stressed that there is no ill will between herself, Joe, and the production team, stating, “We had great relationships with all the producers, and that’s the sad part. Initially, you need to overcome the ego aspect of being removed.”
“I’m unsure who made the call. I believe it was Channel 4’s decision, but the specific person at Channel 4 and the reasons are unknown, so there’s no use in speculating endlessly because you’ll never find out.”
“We had a fantastic time on the show. You have to appreciate the opportunity. Not everyone can say they were on Gogglebox and got paid to watch TV.”
When asked about a potential return to Gogglebox, Roisin responded, “I don’t think that’s likely.
“I receive many queries about Gogglebox, with people recently asking me if I could recommend them. “
She jokingly added, “Not really, if you find out who to ask, put in a good word for me too. Free Joe and Roisin – bring us back.”
However, she revealed that she and Joe have their sights set on another show, saying, “If anyone knows how to get us on Race Across the World, maybe we’ll do that instead.”
Roisin further mentioned, “There are rumors about us going into the jungle on I’m a Celebrity, but I feel like sitting and watching TV for three years probably doesn’t qualify you for I’m a Celeb, but it’s nice to be part of the speculation.”
The popular Scottish pair announced their departure from the upcoming season of the Channel 4 show at the end of July, releasing a joint statement confirming their exit.
The statement read, “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa, Channel 4 has decided it’s time for Joe and me to move on and has not invited us back for season 26. Therefore, we are bidding farewell to the Gogglebox family.
“It’s been a privilege to represent Scotland as some of the first Scottish individuals on the show and prove that we don’t actually need subtitles.
“We’ve made lifelong friends, and after years of filming every week, you’ve become like family to us! We couldn’t have asked for better colleagues, and we will miss you deeply.”
Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4 at 9 pm