Gogglebox star reveals shocking reason they were ‘bullied’ off the show

Chris Ashby-Steed claims he was forced to quit by Stephen Webb

Gogglebox logo

by Carl Smith |
Updated on

Following the latest Gogglebox drama - which saw the Michael family come under fire for their 'insensitive' coronavirus commentary - former show regular Chris Ashby-Steed has opened up about why he was forced to leave the show in an emotional post.

At the time of his exit, Chris had claimed he left to pursue a TV career; later explaining that he and ex co-star Stephen Webb had planned to quit together to follow this new path.

Now, though, Chris has accused Stephen of 'forcing' him off Gogglebox; something which he says has severely affected his mental health.

Gogglebox's Chris Ashby-Steed and Stephen Webb
©Channel 4

Initially speaking to the Mirror following his exit in 2019, Chris had claimed Stephen ended the pair's Channel 4 production deal over email without telling him.

"After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it," Chris said at the time.

"Then the studio called and said they would like to offer us the position back on Gogglebox. I spoke to Stephen and his attitude was ‘I’m not sure I can put up with you every other week filming’. Which was a bit of a blow."

When Gogglebox supposedly told Chris and Stephen their joint venture 'wasn't going to work,' Stephen kept his contract with the show and continued to appear alongside husband Daniel Lustig.

Still with us? BRILL.

Now, addressing the situation on Twitter, Chris says: "A year on, I’ve finally had the courage to stand up to a bully and start to tell the story of how @Stephenwebb71 forced me off @C4Gogglebox and how it’s affected my mental health since.

"Hopefully, the truth of my story will help others who are struggling."

Axed Gogglebox stars: then and now

Gallery

AXED Gogglebox stars: then and now

Gogglebox1 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

The Moffatts then

Arguably the shows biggest export, Scarlett Moffatt has gone on to do some incredible things since leaving the show in 2016, winning I'm a Celeb and landing presenting roles on Extra Camp and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

Gogglebox2 of 20
CREDIT: Instagram

The Moffatts now

The rest of the family are still thick as thieves, as Scarlett's recent tribute to her dad Mark proves. After Scarlett gained celeb status, the whole family were axed, leaving Scarlett gutted – but they're certainly enjoying her celeb status, with "secret" little sister Ava making pals with Joe Swash's son Harry, and glitzy parties galore. The family also starred together with Scarlett's nan on a reality series called The Tribe Next Door in 2019, where they travelled to the Namibian desert to live with indigenous people of the area.

Gogglebox3 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

The Tappers then

The Tappers were the super loud family of four from North London, but had their spot on Gogglebox rescinded after Amy's stint on Celebs Go Dating, due to the producers "no celebs" rule.

Gogglebox4 of 20
CREDIT: Getty

The Tappers now

But despite returning to their day jobs the family are still as tight knit as ever, with Nikki and Jonathon recently celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary.Jonathon – a chauffer - has recently shed 3 and half stone and is almost unrecognisable from his Gogglebox days and son Josh is a budding politician.

Gogglebox5 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Sandi and Sandra then

Sandi first crashed onto our screens alongside best friend Sandra, with their incredible nails and plentiful takeaways, and had to deny claims they'd fallen out after Sandra seemingly made a dig at Sandi's 'celebrity' lifestyle after leaving the show.

Gogglebox6 of 20
CREDIT: Twitter

Sandi now

She's since gone on to do a number of reality TV projects including CBB in 2017 and Famous and Fighting Crime last year, and is an aspiring soul singer.She's also thecousin of Naomi Campbell.

Gogglebox7 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Sandra and Chanchez then

Sandra decided to stay on the show for a time after Sandi left, and enlisted her daughter Chanchez to keep her company on the sofa.

Gogglebox8 of 20
CREDIT: Twitter

Sandra now

Despite her fame and status as one of the most popular Goggleboxers ever, Sandra admitted to us last year that she was "broke" and moving into an over 55 home after being homeless for months. Last year she announced she would be getting married to her unnamed boyfriend, but from her social media still looks to be single.

Gogglebox9 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

George Gilbey then

Another 'boxer deemed 'too sleb' for the sofa, George Gibley's time on Gogglebox came to an end after he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, coming fourth, and snogging celebrity ladies Stephanie Pratt AND Edele Lynch.

Gogglebox10 of 20
CREDIT: Twitter

George Gilbey now

After a brief return to the show, George's life has taken a distinctly less glamorous turn, and last year narrowly avoiding prison when he was charged with trying to strangle his ex-girlfriend while their daughter slept upstairs.

Gogglebox11 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Steph and Dom then

Steph and Dom Parker are another Gogglebox family to have done very well for themselves since leaving the show in 2017. Their excellent comedic chemistry has landed them their own radio show on talkRadio, and they've hosted a number of telly shows, like 2014's Steph and Dom meet Nigel Farage.

Gogglebox12 of 20
CREDIT: BBC

Steph and Dom now

But there's a serious side to the Sandwich dwelling, B&B owning couple, too. Earlier this year they hosted an investigative documentary looking into medical marijuana, as parents to severely epileptic son Max, 18.

Gogglebox13 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Mummy Pat then

Pat Webb is the mother of OG 'boxer Stephen Webb and temporarily stepped in to replaced his ex and friend Chris when he left in 2017 (more on that in a bit).

Gogglebox14 of 20
CREDIT: Twitter

Mummy Pat now

We haven't seen much of Mummy Pat since she left the show, and viewers weren't happy to see her go, but she did rock a fascinator fabulously for Stephen's wedding to husband Daniel Lustig.

Gogglebox15 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Christopher Ashby-Steed then

Christopher Ashby-Steed joined Stephen Webb on the first EVER episode of Gogglebox in 2013. At first they were in a romantic relationship – but after they broke up, decided to continue working together on the show.

Gogglebox16 of 20
CREDIT: Twitter

Christopher Ashby-Steed now

However, things eventually turned pretty sour between the two, and earlier this year Chris gave an interview with The Mirror where he claimed Stephen had "bullied" him off the show."A year on, I've finally had the courage to stand up to a bully and start to tell the story of how @Stephenwebb71 forced of off @C4Gogglebox and how it's affected my mental health since," he tweeted, adding that he'd received no mental health aftercare, which is an "industry-wide failing".He's found his happy ever after, though, wit a new husband.

Gogglebox17 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Leon and June then

Leon and June Bernicoff were the hilarious elderly couple who had us alternatively in stitches/tears from the first episode, up until Leon's tragic death in December 2017. Deciding not to continue on the show without her husband, June has largely stepped out of the limelight but occasionally gives interviews, and wrote a memoir about her 62 year marriage called Leon and June: Life, Love and Laughter – Our Story.

Gogglebox18 of 20
CREDIT: ITV

Leon and June now

After leaving the show, June revealed to Graham Norton, "He hadn't been very well over the weekend, and I suggested he didn't do it."[But he said] 'I'm sitting here in my Christmas jumper waiting to entertain the nation!' Bit of a diva, really."June also passed away in 2020, less than three years after her husband.

Gogglebox19 of 20
CREDIT: Channel 4

Silent Jay then

One of the most iconic Goggleboxers of all time, Silent Jay – AKA Jay Makin – gained legions of fans with his hilarious facial expressions. He was the boyfriend of Eve Woerdenweber, but left the show after they split.

Gogglebox20 of 20
CREDIT: Instagram

Silent Jay now

After his departure in the show in 2015, Jay told The Sun, "I get recognised as that guy who never speaks — and most people get shocked by how much I talk. I am generally quite talkative."They just edit the bits where I talk out."

Look! More news!

Pete Wicks reveals how Sam Thompson is really coping with Zara McDermott split

Louise Redknapp's revenge romance as Jamie moves on

Why Katie Price fears Carl Woods will cheat

Stephen himself is yet to comment on the claims, though a rep for Gogglebox told the Mirror: "Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show. The duty of care of the Gogglebox contributors is of paramount importance."

This all comes after Gogglebox's Michael family were accused of voicing some 'selfish' opinions on the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking about young people returning to university, Louis Michael said, "As long as they’re not going clubbing and picking up 18/19 year olds and taking them back to halls, things will be fine."

Unhappy with the comments, one Twitter used snapped, 'Seriously not impressed with the views of the Michael family on #Gogglebox - typically so selfish of that generation. #COVID19 possibly even #COVIDIOTS.'

Another said, 'The Michael family. So bloody selfish and ignorant. I'll just give up working and hide in a box. Happy now? #GOGGLEBOX.'

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us