Since its launch in 2013, Gogglebox has turned the likes of BFFs Jenny and Lee, siblings Pete and Sophie Sandifordand husband and wife Giles and Mary into household favourites. Believe it or not, despite getting paid around £1,500 a month - that's an estimated £375 per episode - for their appearances on the Channel 4 reality show, our favourite armchair critics don’t just watch telly for a living – they have real day-to-day jobs.
Ahead of the 25th series of Gogglebox airing on Channel 4 on 14 February 2025, we look at how these reality stars earn a living...
The Siddiquis
Dad Sid and sons Baasit and Umar are the OG cast members, having become Gogglebox legends since they joined the show from the very first series. Sid is a retired engineer, who also worked for the NHS for 37 years. A former IT teacher, Baasit is now a motivational speaker and holds workshops and talks as director of Siddiqui Education while Umar works as a Biomedical Scientist for the NHS.
Jenny and Lee
Best friends Jenny Newby and Lee Riley, who have been pals for over 25 years, first joined the show in the fourth series in 2014. Jenny used to be a pub landlady at The Crown Inn in the village Paull and Lee was a regular customer.
The Malones
The Malone family – Tom, Julie and sons Shaun and Tom Jr (who sometimes makes an appearance) plus their dogs – have been a popular addition since they joined in 2014. Dad Tom is a lorry driver and mum Julie is a receptionist. Tom Jr is a professional dancer and model and advocate for autism, while his footy-mad brother Shaun was a stage star, who was in the West End production of Billy Elliot, until he contracted sinusitis and a brain infection in 2010, which left him in a coma. He is now a sports coach and has worked with Manchester United’s Under-16s Ability Counts football team.
Giles and Mary
Husband and wife Mary Killen and Giles Wood have become firm faves since their debut in series five in 2015. Artist Giles revealed that he retired at the age of 21, while Mary is an author, whose books include How To Live With Your Husband, What Would HM The Queen Do and an etiquette tome. She also writes an agony aunt column for The Spectator.
Ellie and Izzi
Sisters Ellie and Izzi Warner joined Gogglebox in the sixth series in 2015. Formerly a nail technician, Izzi is now a qualified mortgage adviser with her own company and her elder sister Ellie is a hairdresser.
Dave and Shirley
Welsh David and Shirley Griffiths, who have been married for over 40 years, made their debut in the show’s sixth series in 2015. Shirley works in retail while Dave is a factory worker.
Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan
Brothers Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan Plummer first appeared in series eight, in 2016. Tristan is a professional footballer for Bitton FC having previously played for Bristol City, Luton Town, Hereford United and Aldershot Town. Tremaine is a retired chef and Twaine – who previously pursued a footballing career for Bradford Town – is a DJ.
Amira and Amani
London sisters Amira and Amani Rota are Gogglebox regulars. Amira joined in the tenth series in 2017 with her friend Iqra, before Amani stepped in 2018 for series 13. Amira is a retail manager at Smyths Toys and Amani works in customer service.
The Worthingtons
Helena Worthington and her parents Alison and George joined Gogglebox in 2017, making their debut in the tenth series of the show. Helena is a multidisciplinary artist specialising in sculpture and painting. She’s also a qualified mime artist and worked in Paris as a street performer.
Sophie and Pete
Siblings Sophie and Pete Sandiford – and their impressive assortment of mugs – have been hugely popular with viewers since they joined in 2017 for the show’s tenth series. Sophie, who used to be a window dresser for Debenhams, is now a florist while Pete is a roofer and builder.
Abbie and Georgia
Pals Abbie Lynn and Georgia Bell have been keeping us amused with their comments since they appeared in Gogglebox’s 12th series in 2018. Abbie is a credit control clerk and Georgia was a hairdresser. However, after welcoming her first child Hugh in 2022, she announced that she has stepped away from the profession to do something ‘more suitable to family life’.
Sue and Steve
Married couple Sue and Steve Sheehan made their debut in 2019, in the show’s 14th series. Sue is semi-retired while Steve is a black cab driver.
Jane and Simon
Brother and sister duo Jane and Simon Minty have been a big hit with viewers since joining the Gogglebox cast in 2021, in season 18. Simon is a disability consultant and trainer and presenter on the BBC Ouch! Podcast and Jane is a cook.
Roisin and Joe
Since their debut in 2022 in season 19, Gogglebox watchers are in tune with Glasgow couple Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle. Roisin works as a social media producer for BBC Scotland and co-hosts a weekly podcast, The Love/Hate Club. She previously co-presented the Nags And Brags podcast. It's not known what Joe's job is.
WATCH: the lovely Plummer brothers from Googlebox taste test Easter eggs...
Shereen Low is a senior writer for heat, Closer, Grazia, Yours, Bella and Crime Monthly.