Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr has revealed some behind the scenes facts about filming the hit Channel 4 show this week and has given fans an insight into the casting process.
Tom Malone Jr – one 1/4 of fan-favourites The Malone family from Manchester, who have been cast members on the show since 2014 – has taken to Instagram to answer a number of fan questions about the popular reality series.
The questions lead him to revealing everything from how casting is completed, to whether it’s a struggle to “act normal” when the cameras start rolling.
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it’s an interesting but simple premise – inspired by the iconic Mancunian sitcom The Royle Family – where different groups of friends and families offer their opinions on the TV shows from the previous week.
Gogglebox is a show that has undoubtedly made stars out of all its longstanding cast members, so it’s no wonder people want in on the action.
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It’s been reported in the past that the show’s stars get free takeaways to tuck into while they watch all the different TV shows, and each household is paid an estimated £1,500 a month too, but when it comes to the all important casting process for the show though, how does it work?
Can you apply?
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Channel 4 / Gogglebox
Although we’d love to give you a more straightforward answer to the above questions, Tom Jr actually revealed that there is no specific way to sign up for the show.
He said: “You can’t actually sign up for Gogglebox, they have to find you so they have a whole team of people that go out looking for new cast members, like going in pubs and speaking to people, ringing up businesses and asking who’d be good for it so there’s no way to sign up.”
So, whilst it might not be as simple as sending an application off and keeping your fingers crossed, the good news is that it’s still not exactly a closed door either.
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Tom Jr also revealed a few other insights to fans, including the all-important question of whether or not the ever-changing selection of cakes that are always in shot when the Malones appear on camera are real and yes, they absolutely are.
He said: “Yeah those are real cakes, they’re not props – it’s not a set, it’s my mum and dad’s house.
“There’s nothing fake or props or anything like that.”
Another fan asked if it was “weird to act normal” while the cameras are rolling, to which Tom answered: “No, it’s not weird at all to act normal when the cameras are on because we’re all really close with the crew. The cameras are that small that you don’t really notice they’re there and there’s no one in the room with us, so it’s just normal really.”
He also confirmed that Gogglebox will return to our screens on 11th September and added that “it’ll be good to start again.”
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JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester
Danny Jones
JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.
The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.
With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.
No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0FDI3tp3I/?hl=en
Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.
In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.
Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.
Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.
We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.
We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.
For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!
Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)
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BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues to return for third and FINAL series
Emily Sergeant
BBC’s popular Stockport-set sitcom Daddy Issues is set to return for its third and final series.
Daddy Issues follows Gemma, played by Manchester actress Aimee Lou Wood – most-known for her role on Netflix’s Sex Education – who lives for the weekend when she can ‘get blasted and party hard’ in Stockport, but after joining the mile-high club with a random hook-up on her way back from a holiday to Portugal, she finds out she’s pregnant.
The pregnancy couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gemma, as the only person she has left in her life is her dad Malcolm – played by David Morrissey – who is ‘kind hearted but useless’.
Gemma and her dad end up living together in Gemma’s flat, as she needs support at a critical time in a woman’s life… and he needs help microwaving rice without it exploding.
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are set to return for the third series of Daddy Issues / Credit: BBC
The second series followed Gemma coming to terms with motherhood and caring for baby daughter Sadie, and the third – and sadly, final – series sees Gemma 18-months on from where we left her in series two, and life has settled into a familiar rhythm.
Sadie is now in nursery, Gemma’s been promoted at the salon, and Malcolm has just ordered a fancy new washing machine to optimise the laundry. Things might finally be on an even keel… but it doesn’t take long for chaotic ‘old Gemma’ to rear her head.
Star Aimee Lou Wood says she’s ‘so happy to be back’ for series three.
🎬 Daddy Issues is returning for a third and final series!
Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey are back as Gemma and Malcolm
“Gemma and Malcolm are one of the funniest and sweetest comedy double acts on TV, and I’ve loved being a part of it,” Aimee said.
David Morrissey added: “I love doing Daddy Issues so much, such a great cast and crew! So I’m delighted to be coming back to have more adventures with Gemma, Malcolm, and the gang.”
Ahead of the show’s return, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of BBC Comedy, commented: “As Daddy Issues becomes a threenager, it’s been great seeing audiences take Gemma and Malcolm to their hearts. Danielle has created a brilliantly sharp, fearless comedy, and we can’t wait to see the Moscrips take the next, slightly wobbly steps in life with a toddler.”