Ever since they joined Gogglebox back in 2018, Marcus Luther and Mica Ven have been firm fan favourites, thanks to their forthright opinions and brilliant banter.
The couple have been together for over a decade and have four kids between them – daughters Sachelle and Shuggy, who have both appeared on screen, and two sons, Yash and Shiloh.
They all live together in south London where Mica, 43, runs a hair salon (see her Instagram @micanicolehairstylist for amazing before and after shots), while 37-year-old Marcus is the owner and head coach of TM Boxing Gym in Mitcham (not surprisingly, Shiloh and Yash are already champion pugilists).
We’ve got a ton of questions to ask them. And funnily enough, they’re not shy about answering …
How much has your life changed since you joined Gogglebox? You must get recognised a lot now?
Marcus: We do, but I can wear my mask to the supermarket, so I can get away with it more at the moment.
Mica: I don’t always have my make-up on, but people still say, “Ain’t you the one from Gogglebox? Let’s get a selfie.” I’m still getting used to it.
Marcus: I avoid being recognised like the plague. I’ll have my mask and a hat on and people will still say, “Look at the eyes, it’s Marcus from Gogglebox!” And I’m like, “For f**k’s sake!”
Mica: If I cover my locks, I get recognised less. The locks are a giveaway. I don’t think I’ll ever get properly used to it. Sometimes, I feel like one of the Kardashians. [Both laugh.]
Where’s the weirdest place you’ve been recognised?
Marcus: We were in America on a cruise ship and people kept coming up to us. We were like, “Bloody hell man, we’re miles from home!”
Mica: Everyone is really nice. I think people are a bit wary of me, though.
Marcus: I was just about to say that.
Mica: I don’t know why – I’m alright! I think I’ve just got that kind of, you know… Someone was doing a live chat on Instagramand somebody asked them about their crush on Marcus. She was immediately like, “Oh my God, have you ever seen his missus?” I’m thinking, “Er, what did I do?”
Marcus: I’m an older-lady magnet now. The 60-plus women love me, so that’s improved my life.
What do your children think about Gogglebox? Obviously, the girls have been on it before…
Mica: Do you know what? Our kids think we’re really cool and current.
Marcus: What? They always tell me I’m cringe.
Mica: OK, they think I’m cool and he’s cringe. He uses slang wrong sometimes. He’s that guy. Sorry [holds her hand up], that’s what they say. They’re on TikTok and they tell us when videos of us are being shared. They love it. Marcus: Mica’s on Snapchat and I’ve told her she’s too old for it.
Mica: Oi, I like the filters! The funny faces make me laugh.
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Are people supportive on social media?
Mica: They are. I’ve got what I call my little Instagram gang. You know, we’re a black family from south London and we’re on your screens and in your front room and we know there’s gang culture going on. But I’ve turned it on its head and let people know that if you’re joining this gang, it’s a gang that looks after everyone and makes sure everyone is nice. If you’re not, you’re not welcome. And I’ll give advice to people, like if your colleague’s getting on your nerves, instead of telling them, try a slow cut-eye [does one in Marcus’ direction]. It’s really satisfying.
Have you said anything on the show that you wish you hadn’t?
Mica: Sometimes with the swearing, because you’re in your house and you’re so relaxed, you forget. Obviously, we’re a Jamaican family, so we might cuss the bumboclaat and raasclaat. Sometimes the pastor will come into my salon and say, “Hey, I’m keeping up with you guys on TV.” I’m like, “What are you doing watching that? Please don’t.” But even the church family are supportive. And we are allowed to swear – we’re grown-ups!
CHECK OUT: Bridgerton series 2 - new cast
Season 2 Bridgerton cast
1 of 5Simone Ashley who will play Kate Sharma
If you haven't been living under a rock these past couple years, you'll probably recognise Simone from a not-so-little Netflix original called Sex Education. In the show, Simone plays 'cool' girl Olivia but, now cast for Bridgerton's second season, she will be playing Kate Sharma. According to Shondaland TV, Kate is, "equal parts headstrong and whip smart."Her sharp wit and independent nature make her a singular force on the 1814 marriage mart, where she hopes to secure a love match for her younger sister, Edwina."You can follow Simone on Instagram @SimoneAsshley.
2 of 5Charithra Chandran who will play Edwina Sharma
Charithra is a British-Indian actress who is relatively new to the acting industry but has previously starred in IMdb's Alex Rider series. Now, for Bridgerton season two, she will be playing Edwina Sharma (Kate Sharma's younger sister). In a statement about the character, Netflix wrote, "Edwina has been taught by her older sister Kate to be the perfect debutante."She's kind natured and endlessly endearing. But while she may be young and naive, she also knows what she wants: a true love match."You can follow Charithra on Instagram @Charithra17.
3 of 5Shelley Conn who will play Mary Sharma
Shelley has had quite the fruitful acting career and has starred in everything from Silent Witness to, would you believe it, Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In Bridgerton's second series, she will play Kate Sharma's mother, Mary. In her Twitter introduction, it was revealed that, "Lady Mary's marriage once embroiled her and her family in scandal."Now newly returned to London with her daughters, she's forced to endure the scrutiny of the ton yet again."You can follow Shelley on Twitter @Shelley_Conn.
4 of 5Calam Lynch who will be playing Theo Sharp
Calam, who has previously starred in the likes of Dunkirk and Derry Girls, will be starring as Theo Sharpe who, according to Netflix, is "A hardworking printer's assistant. "But he's not just a working class man, he's also an intellectual who fights for the rights for all."You can follow Calam on Instagram @CalamLynch.
5 of 5Rupert Young who will play jack
In the past, Rupert has starred in Doc Martin, Merlin and Doctor Who, among other things. Now, ahead of Bridgerton's second season, he has been cast as Jack. According to Netflix, Jack is, "The newest member of the ton with a connection to one of its most notable families."You can follow Rupert on Instagram @RupertFYoung.
You’re lord and lady-ing it up for our shoot today. What’s the poshest thing you do in real life?
Mica: The poshest thing? Oh, wow!
Marcus: I drink red wine and stick my little finger out while I’m doing it.
Mica: I am not posh.
Marcus: You’re from the hood.
Mica: Er, I have oat milk with my hot chocolate? [Marcus laughs.]
Did you watch Bridgerton****?
Mica: Yeah, I genuinely loved it. I binged it. The lead guy [Regé-Jean Page] was very sexy. I’m like, “Mmm, bring me a hot chocolate, your grace.”
Marcus: It’s just posh porn!
Mica: Yep! It’s dope dressing up in those kinds of clothes today, though.
Marcus: I don’t think people have ever seen Rastas dressed up like this.
Mica: That’s why it’s so cool.
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If you had your own manor house, what would it look like?
Marcus: I’d do all the architecture and Mica would do all the soft furnishings.
Mica: I love cooking, so I’d have the biggest kitchen with an island and space to entertain people. I’d need a big old drive, too. My bedroom has got to have…
Marcus: Hang on, do I get a say?
Mica: [Ignoring him] I have to have a bathroom in the bedroom. I want my own bathroom. It’s not acceptable that Marcus leaves the bathroom floor wet.
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Who’s in control of the TV remote?
Mica: I’d say 80 per cent it’s Marcus. Then, when he’s had enough, he’ll give it to me.
Marcus: You do listen to a lot of music, though.
Mica: I do like my music, but he loves sports. There is always sports on, isn’t there? He likes watching cars going around and around in circles.
Marcus: Oh, it’s so much more than that! I did try to explain to you, but you weren’t interested. I’ve watched the Kardashians and learned all about the nails and the lashes, so I can notice when you’ve had your eyebrows done, but you won’t let me explain how a tyre change works. [Mica holds her hand up and shakes her head.]
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Mica, what do you like to watch, then?
Mica: I like shows that are a bit sexy.
Marcus: See, posh porn!
Mica: No, with class. I loved Bridgerton, and there’s a series called Insecure that is dope. And You is fantastic.
Marcus: You got me into that, too, but you fancy Joe [played by Penn Badgley].
Mica: I don’t, he’s a serial killer! A hot one, though.
Do you watch a lot of telly together?
Mica: I’ll suggest a series we can watch together, then I’ll nip out to work, and when I come back, he’s already on season four.
Marcus, that is shocking TV behaviour…
Marcus: It’s because she’ll put something on and then she’ll fall asleep. I swear, she puts things on just for a good night’s sleep. By that point I’m already into it, so I have to carry on.
How do you feel about people saying you’re couple goals?
Mica: It just makes me giggle, because we’ve always been like this, but now we’re on a platform where everyone can see our friendship. It’s cute.
Marcus: It’s a compliment to know that people say,“We’d like to have a relationship like that.” It’s nice, man.
The fact you’re best friends as well as partners is total couple goals…
Mica: [Gives Marcus some serious side- eye and then smiles.] I just find him funny. He just makes me laugh, and that’s why we’re still together.
Marcus: She felt sorry for me, so she stuck around.
Gogglebox is back on Channel 4, Friday 18 February, 9pm
Read even more from Marcus and Mica in this week's heat - out now.