Bosses address fans’ concern over Mary and Marina’s Gogglebox absence

Viewers have expressed their concern

MARY AND MARINA GOGGLEBOX

by Alex Ross |
Updated on

Channel 4 show Gogglebox has certainly been keeping us going every Friday night through lockdown! And whilst series 15 came to an end last Friday (22nd May), it didn't take long for bosses to announce a brand new Celebrity Gogglebox series.

But, before we get to that, fans of cast members Mary and Marina expressed their concern for the ladies throughout the recent series; as the pensioners - who are both in their 90s - were absent from the show throughout.

MARY AND MARINA
©© Channel 4

Gogglebox boss Tania Alexander has now reassured fans that both Mary and Marina are in good health, admitting due to the coronavirus pandemic they were unable to include the whole cast for series 15.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Tania said, "Unfortunately, it was not possible to film with the full cast.

"For example, we took the decision to tell Mary and Marina, who are in their 90s and live in a care home, that we didn't want them put at any risk, so we should stop filming with them altogether."

Tania added, "The ladies are safe and well looked-after, but often tell us they dearly miss the crews and the fun they have during filming each week."

Check out the Gogglebox cast below:

Gallery

RADIO Gogglebox cast stacked

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The Malone family

The Malone family, made up of Tom, Julie, Tom Jnr and Shaun, are one of the most popular families with fans. They first joined the cast in 2014. In February 2021, just one day before series 17, Tom Jr announced he'd quit the show. Don't worry though, his family will still feature!In March 2021, Tom and Julie's daughter Vanessa joined the show!

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Ellie and Izzi Warner

Sisters Ellie and Izzi Warner from Leeds have also become fan favourites after first joining the show in 2015. Izzi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Bessie Rose in early 2020, whilst Ellie recently unveiled a huge hair transformation. In early 2022, Izzi also introduced fans to her brand new puppy called Cookie. Ellie and Izzi took a break from Gogglebox during season 19, following Ellie's boyfriend Nat being left 'fighting for his life' after he was hit by a car during a night out in Leeds in March. Ellie later revealed on 13th May that her and sister Izzi would be returning to our screens that night, thanking fans for their well wishes.

Pete and Sophie3 of 17
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Pete and Sophie

Brother and sister duo Pete and Sophie Sandiford have become one of the most popular castings in Gogglebox history! The funny siblings first joined the cast in 2017. It seems that comedy runs in the family for these two, with the recent revelation that the pair are related to none other than Paul Chuckle himself!After getting married to his girlfriend Paige Yeomans, the pair welcomed their first child into the world in 2021, with little Jimmy already making an appearance on Gogglebox.

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Jenny and Lee

Best friends Jenny and Lee are also back, they first joined the show on series 4 back in 2014! The pair have us in fits of giggles with their banter both on and off the show.Jenny and Lee, who film the show from Lee's caravan in Hull, have been best friends for over 20 years and often delight fans by sharing throwback photos of each other.In series 19, Jenny and Lee took a break from the show after Jenny underwent surgery for a minor illness. The pair have confirmed they'll be back for series 20.

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Abbie and Georgia

Durham girls Abbie and Georgia first joined the show back in 2018. In 2022, just one month before series 19 hit our screens, Georgia announced she was expecting her first baby, confirming her due date is July 2022.

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Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig

Hairdresser Stephen Webb has appeared on every single series of Gogglebox, and in 2019 his husband Daniel Lustig joined him! For the first few series, Stephen appeared alongside his best friend and fellow hairdresser Chris Ashby-Steed. As well as Stephen's mum also making an appearance, Daniel joined the show full time in 2019.

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Dave and Shirley

Welsh couple Dave and Shirley, who have been married for over 40 years, first joined the show back in 2015.

Gogglebox cast8 of 17
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The Siddiqui family

The Siddiqui family, made up of Umar, Baasit and their dad Sid, have become Gogglebox legends since joining the show back in series 1. Brother Raza also occasionally makes an appearance on the show, but due to working away, he can't always commit to filming.

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Giles and Mary

Gogglebox fans fell in love with Giles and his wife Mary when they joined the cast in 2015, mainly due to Giles' hilarious stories... Much to Mary's annoyance.

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Mica Ven and Marcus Luther

Long-term couple Mica Ven and Marcus Luther from South London first joined the cast of Gogglebox for series 11 back in 2018. Mica's two daughters Sachelle and Shuggy, from a previous relationship, also sometimes appear on the sofa.

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The Worthingtons

The Worthingtons, made up of Alison, her husband George and her daughter Helena, joined the cast in series 10. In 2019, Helena welcomed a baby boy called Edwin, and he's already made his debut.

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Amira and Iqra

Amira and Iqra first joined the show back in 2017 with their other friend Amani, but now it's just the two of them leaving viewers in stitches with their comments.

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Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan

Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan, brothers from Bristol, joined back in 2016, quickly becoming a big hit with viewers.

The Baggs family14 of 17
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The Baggs family

Despite not taking part in series 17 of the show, The Baggs family, featuring Lisa, Terry, George and Joe, returned for series 18.

Simon and Jane Gogglebox cast15 of 17
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Simon and Jane

Joining the cast for series 18, Simon and his sister Jane appeared on the box for the first time on 22nd October 2021!They are also back for series 19!

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Ronnie and Annie

Joining the cast in November 2021 was Ronnie and his wife Annie!

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Roisin and Joe

Unveiled as brand new cast members on Friday 25th February 2022, young couple Roisin and Joe are the first Scottish people to appear on the show since 2016!

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Meanwhile, although the original series of Gogglebox is now over until September, series two of Celebrity Gogglebox will hit our TV screens on Friday 5th June.

As well as the likes of Joe Swash, Stacey Solomon and Denise van Outen making a return, Love Island's Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling have joined the line-up, as well as Harry Redknapp and is beloved wife Sandra.

Of course, just like series 15, Celebrity Gogglebox will follow all social distancing rules whilst filming, with the cast using single mounted cameras instead of a film crew.

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