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Tom Malone Jr is leaving Gogglebox for good

Tom Malone Jr is leaving Gogglebox, he has just announced on his social media.

The Manc The Manc - 25th February 2021
Channel 4

Tom Malone Jr is leaving Gogglebox for good, he has just announced on his social media accounts.

The 26-year-old sofa star, who is one quarter of the Malone family from Manchester, has officially departed the show, but his family will remain for future seasons.

Tom announced his departure this afternoon with a message on Twitter that reads: “So after six years it’s finally time to put down the remote and say goodbye to Gogglebox.

“I’ve loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them.

“I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid! P.S. Don’t worry my parents and my brother will still be on the show to keep you guys entertained every Friday.”

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Channel 4

The Malone family joined Gogglebox back in 2014 and quickly became one of the show’s most beloved families. They consist of dad Tom Senior, mum Julie and their four children: Lee, Vanessa, Tom Jr. and Shaun.

Lee and Vanessa have two older siblings, who have never appeared on the show.

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It is currently unclear what new opportunities Tom will be exploring but with his breakdancing career going from strength to strength we can imagine there is a bright future ahead of him on TV.

Thanks for the memories, Tom!

News

Coronation Street and Emmerdale cancel filming after news of cutbacks and reduced schedule

Danny Jones Danny Jones Coronation Street and Emmerdale cutbacks

Coronation Street and Emmerdale production crews are said to have cancelled at least one day of filming this week following news of more cutbacks and a reduced schedule of programming.

The beloved British soaps have been up against it for some time now, with viewing figures and costs struggling at both ends of the spectrum, and the latest development doesn’t spell great news for the cast and crew, not to mention audiences.

According to Digital Spy, regularly scheduled filming was due to take place in Manchester and Leeds on Tuesday, 5 February, with each show shooting roughly six to eight weeks in advance of storylines.

However, following reports of more hits to the industry and the latest steps ITV, specifically, which will see fewer episodes of both Corrie and Emmerdale air each week, film crews are said to have been stood down as they await further updates.

corrie less episodes
Part of the Coronation Street set over in Salford Quays. (Credit: The Manc Group)

Announcing steps at the start of February, ITV confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale are to see their content cut by an hour a week between them from next year.

While Corrie currently broadcasts three hour-long episodes per week and Emmerdale four half-hour episodes plus one full-hour instalment, the new slate will see both soaps dial back to only air 30-minute episodes, with a so-called ‘soaps power hour’ every both shows at 8pm and 8:30pm.

Put in simplest terms, viewers will have half an hour less of their regular soaps to watch overall each week but with episodes airing at more regular intervals, which the network claims is “viewer-led” and will allow fans to enjoy the shows “in the most digestible way.”

Metro writer Duncan Lindsay has labelled the decision as a tough one to make but something that could ultimately “save” the two long-standing soap operas in the long run.

On the other hand, this obviously means a big chunk of work being lost for those working on sets across the board, with ITV having already taken steps to cut costs ever since the pandemic, and the UK’s viewing public has given mixed reactions, to say the least.

With an increased focus on streaming and making both shows more accessible, episodes will continue to be released from 7am on ITVX before airing on live telly later that evening.

Responding to the changes, the performing arts union Equity admitted that the steps do cause “further cause for concern”, especially following the cancellation of other soaps like Doctors and Hollyoaks also having recently seen its schedule adjusted.

It remains unclear when the respective cast and crews will return to filming.

What do you make of the cutbacks: will you miss the sum total of 60 minutes being shaved off your Corrie and Emmerdale catch-ups, or do you think it’s a bittersweet step that could help freshen up the format and sustain it for years to come?

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Featured Images — ITV/The Manc Group

News

Chester Zoo issues statement after people slam ‘totally ridiculous’ prices for safari-style lodges

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Chester Zoo has defended the pricing for its new overnight safari-style lodges as people branded it as ‘totally ridiculous’.

In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated 51-lodge wildlife experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled last week ahead of its grand opening to the public this August following several years in the works.

The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa.

Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.

Already being described as “the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK”, some of the lodges will be located at the side of a lake, while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat that are home to Northern giraffes.

Bookings officially went live last Wednesday (29 January), and demand was “nothing short of phenomenal”, with the website crashing for a brief period and more than 550 bookings made so far.

But merely moments after this, people began hitting out at the prices for overnight stays.

Those working on the “very special” project say a stay at The Reserve will help to fund Chester Zoo’s global conservation projects.

Inside one of the lodges at Chester Zoo
Inside one of the lodges at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has issued a statement after people slammed the ‘totally ridiculous’ prices for safari-style lodges / Credit: Supplied

In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50, and then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it’s worth nothing that this does include guided safari tours and going behind-the-scenes with the giraffes.

“As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our species-saving work,” a Chester Zoo spokesperson said in defence of the pricing.

“The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species.

“A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night.

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“Packages include elements such as a range of exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, breakfast, dinner and out-of-hours access to the zoo, as well as two-day passes and the chance to view wildlife straight from your lodge balcony.”

Find out more and book your stay in the new lodges on the Chester Zoo website here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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