Gogglebox's Beloved Siddiqui Family Matriarch Chooses to Remain Behind the Scenes
The Siddiqui family has been a cherished fixture on Channel 4's Gogglebox since the show's inaugural series over a decade ago, but one key member steadfastly avoids the spotlight. Matriarch Nasreen Siddiqui, wife of retired engineer Sid and mother to the on-screen trio of Baasit, Umar, and Raza, has never appeared on the programme and has now revealed the poignant reasons why.
A Family Legacy on Gogglebox Since 2013
Hailing from Derby, the Siddiqui clan joined Gogglebox in 2013 and quickly won viewers' hearts with their witty commentary and hilarious reactions to television highlights. The family consists of father Sid, who moved to the UK from Pakistan at age 16, and his sons Baasit, Umar, and Raza. While the brothers and their dad are regulars on screen, Nasreen and the family's two daughters have always opted to stay off-camera.
Despite their absence from the show, the Siddiquis' significant others are often mentioned during episodes. Baasit is married to Melissa, and they have two children, Amelia and Theodore, while Umar and Raza are believed to be single. The family's dynamic, honed during a unique audition process involving flash cards of figures like Boris Johnson and Simon Cowell, proved perfectly suited for the series.
Nasreen's Candid Explanation for Staying Off-Screen
In an exclusive interview, Nasreen Siddiqui opened up about her decision to never join her family on Gogglebox. She cited personal reservations and language barriers as the primary factors, stating emphatically that television is not for her. "It's not something for me, I don't speak very good English and I'm very shy. It's best left to the boys. You won't get me on the TV," she revealed.
This heartfelt admission underscores her preference for privacy, even as her sons and husband entertain millions weekly. Despite her absence from the show, Nasreen remains a central figure in family life, as evidenced by social media posts where the Siddiquis share glimpses of her, such as photos from a holiday in Morocco captioned, "Dad, mum & the boys have been enjoying the summer break."
The Siddiqui Family's Enduring Appeal and Future
The Siddiquis' authenticity and humour have cemented their status as fan favourites, with their audition story highlighting how their natural chemistry secured their role. Umar recalled to Radio Times, "Whatever dynamic we had seemed to suit the show, because they asked us if we wanted to be part of it. And they've kept on asking us."
As Gogglebox continues to air every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4, Nasreen's choice to stay behind the scenes adds a layer of depth to the family's story, reminding viewers of the personal boundaries that exist even in the world of reality television. Her decision, rooted in modesty and self-awareness, ensures that while the boys shine on screen, the family's matriarch remains a cherished, albeit private, pillar of their success.
