Gogglebox star Raza Siddiqui was rushed to hospital and sustained cracked ribs following a severe fall, his family has disclosed in a recent social media update. The television personality, a beloved fixture on the Channel 4 programme since its inception in 2013, has been absent from the current season's initial episodes due to the injury.
Family Confirms Accident and Recovery Progress
The Siddiqui family, which includes Raza, his brothers Umar and Baasit, and their father Sid, addressed his absence directly with fans on Instagram this Tuesday. They posted a heartfelt message explaining that Raza had not participated in filming for the first part of the season because of the accident, which occurred several weeks prior.
The family wrote: 'For you eagle-eyed Goggleboxers, you may have noticed that Raza hasn't joined us on the sofa so far this season. Sadly he had a bit of a fall, a few weeks back and cracked some ribs. He's recovering nicely and will be joining us on the sofa in a few weeks time.'
Positive Outlook and Supportive Messages
Accompanying the update were sweet photographs showing Raza bravely smiling from his hospital bed and cuddling with his nephew Theodore on a sofa at home. The family emphasised that he is 'absolutely smashing his recovery', staying positive through activities like walks, television, reading, and spending time with his nephew.
They added that fan support and well-wishes would mean more to him than any medication, stating: 'I know you guys reaching out and sending your well wishes will put a bigger smile on his face than morphine ever could.' The Siddiquis expressed eagerness to reunite as a full team on Gogglebox alongside the other families featured on the show.
Background on the Siddiqui Family's Gogglebox Journey
The Siddiqui clan has been a firm favourite with viewers since Gogglebox launched over a decade ago, offering humorous and insightful commentary on television programmes from their living room. Their absence, particularly Raza's, had been noted by dedicated fans, prompting the family to share this personal health update.
Previous Family Updates and Charitable Endeavours
This is not the first time the family has shared significant news with their followers. Last year, Baasit Siddiqui revealed on Instagram that he and his wife Melissa were training to complete the London Marathon in support of Mind Charity, focusing on mental health awareness.
Baasit, who has a background in education, highlighted the growing mental health crisis, noting issues such as teacher workload, social media challenges for children, and parental struggles amid the cost of living crisis. He expressed pride in running the marathon for such a cause, with fans flooding the comments with support and encouragement.
The Siddiqui family's openness about both personal challenges and charitable efforts continues to endear them to the public, reinforcing their status as cherished figures in British entertainment.
