Fans of Celebrity Gogglebox were left puzzled on Friday night when regular contributors Shaun Ryder and Bez failed to appear in the latest episode of the Channel 4 programme.
The Happy Mondays duo, who have been fixtures on the celebrity version of the show since 2019, were noticeably absent from the line-up.
Their disappearance prompted immediate concern amongst viewers, with many taking to social media to question why the popular pair were missing.
The episode featured other celebrity participants including Rylan Clark, Roman Kemp and Cat Deeley, who offered their commentary on programmes such as Squid Game, Glastonbury coverage and Open House: The Great Sex Experiment.
The Happy Mondays duo, who have been fixtures on the celebrity version of the show since 2019, were noticeably absent from the line-up
CHANNEL 4
The absence coincided with This Morning presenter Alison Hammond making her Celebrity Gogglebox debut, appearing on the sofa with her sister Saundra and son Aidan.
This timing led some viewers to speculate that the 50-year-old presenter and her family had replaced Shaun and Bez in the programme’s roster.
Hammond had announced her participation on Instagram before the episode aired, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of filming.
She expressed her enthusiasm about joining the show, stating: “I’m so excited to be doing Celebrity Gogglebox with my son Aidan. We’ve always loved watching telly together, and now we get to do it on the sofa for the nation!”
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Frustrated fans quickly voiced their disappointment on X, formerly Twitter, with one viewer directly addressing Shaun Ryder: “@officialswr Why aren’t you and Bez on #CelebrityGogglebox tonight Shaun? It’s so boring without you two. I turned over after 10 minutes.”
The same viewer later added: “@C4Gogglebox @4Viewers Where’s Bez and Shaun? Please don’t tell me that they’ve been sacrificed for Alison Hammond? #CelebrityGogglebox has only been on for eight minutes and already been monopolised by her. It’s unbearable. I’m switching over.”
Another fan complained about the show’s format, commenting: “Way to many people on #Celebritygogglebox now. It’s so ridiculous and means we don’t get enough Bez and Shaun.”
The reason for Bez and Shaun’s absence from Friday’s episode remains unclear, with neither the duo nor Channel 4 providing an explanation for their non-appearance.
Hammond had announced her participation on Instagram before the episode aired, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of filming
CHANNEL 4
Despite the negative reaction from some quarters, certain viewers welcomed Hammond’s addition to the programme.
The presenter had earlier shared her excitement about the family collaboration.
She said: “It’s a real family affair too, because my fabulous sister Saundra is getting involved as well. Expect laughs, eye-rolls, and lots of commentary, classic Hammond style!”
Celebrity Gogglebox continues to air on Channel 4, with episodes available to stream on My4.
