Gogglebox has become a Friday night staple for many viewers across the United Kingdom. For the past 13 years, families nationwide have kept Channel 4 audiences entertained with their critiques, reactions, and witty remarks about the week's most talked-about television programmes.
The beloved show has seen a plethora of faces grace the screen over the years. Although the first series, which aired in 2013, featured only a small number of families, today's cast is significantly larger. While filming takes place over 12 hours per week, often split into two six-hour shifts, the cast must adhere to a strict set of rules.
No Alcohol
Although viewers frequently see cast members drinking soft drinks and siblings Sophie and Pete enjoying tea from their novelty mugs, one beverage is strictly forbidden. While filming, they are not allowed to consume alcohol to avoid slurring their words when reacting to shows, according to OK! magazine. However, there was an incident in earlier series where cast members enjoyed a drink before shooting. Jenny and Lee told Radio 2 that Lee ended up sliding off the sofa. Jenny added: "What we did was, when we saw that shot, we stopped drinking, so now we don't drink at all."
Unlimited Takeaways
Despite the alcohol ban, there is no shortage of food allowed for the Channel 4 stars. During filming, cast members can order treats such as cakes, fish and chips, and snacks, all on expenses. Reports indicate that stars can order whatever they want from Deliveroo and other takeaway services, within reason.
Be Entertaining
Producers encourage families to slightly amp up their reactions and act up to the cameras to ensure episodes are not boring for viewers. Although the production team will not tell them explicitly how to act, they suggest topical or exciting clips to watch to elicit the best reactions. It has also been reported that bosses prefer stars not to look at their phones while watching shows, to avoid distractions.
Gogglebox is available to watch on Channel 4.
