Gogglebox is Friday night TV viewing at its finest.
The award-winning Channel 4 show became a hit with audiences after it first aired back in March 2013 with it’s simple but interesting premise – inspired by the iconic Mancunian sitcom The Royle Family – that sees different groups of friends and families offer their opinions on the TV shows from the previous week.
And it’s been cracking us up ever since.
It’s a show that has undoubtedly made stars out of all its longstanding cast members, so it’s no wonder that these ‘characters’ have provided us with, not only some of the most hilarious moments in the history of the show, but probably some of the single greatest moments in British TV of all time too.
So, in what is sadly a turbulent time in a year of doom and gloom for Greater Manchester, we couldn’t think of a better opportunity to run through some of the best bits from over the years.
We could all do with a proper good chuckle right now, couldn’t we?
We’re starting off the list strong here with what is undoubtedly one of Gogglebox’s most quoted comebacks of all time, courtesy of none other than fan-favourite original cast members Chris and Stephen.
It’s hard to call this iconic Jenny and Lee exchange anything other than what it truly is. And what it is, is one of the greatest moments in TV history.
Dave the dog – arguably one of the best Malone family members – has had his fair share of iconic moments over the past seven years, but this might just be his shining moment.
You’re not a knobhead Dave, we love you.
“The dog kicked me”
While we’re on the topic of legendary Gogglebox dog moments, it would be a crime to leave out what is probably the most memorable canine catastrophe of all.
Revered Kate and Graham were never seen without a cuppa in their hands.
No, who are we kidding, if he didn’t hoover Grandma we’ve wouldn’t have been treated to this gem from the current series that’s already going down as one of the show’s best belly-laugh moments.
Un-planned moments of gold like this are what really makes the show.
It’s the collective moment when they all realise what it is that she’s really just said that makes this classic Michael family scene one we’ll never tire of watching.
“I told you not to touch it”
Just iconic.
“OH MY GOD”
Amy Tapper came to be known for her screaming and shouting over the 11 series she appeared on.
But this particular raised voice moment scared the absolute life out of her Dad and for that reason, it will always be one of her most memorable.
We could quite honestly make up an entire list featuring iconic moments of the late and great Leon and June Bernicoff, but it’s the innocence of this clip that just sums up why they will always have a special place in the hearts of the nation.
Probably Scarlett’s harshest put down of them all, but she’s not wrong.
… and finally
We couldn’t possibly let a list of Gogglebox best bits go by without including national treasures and everyone’s favourite Welsh nans Mary and Marina, so here is a collection of some of their finest moments over the past few years to end on.
The fact they don’t know just how funny they are is precisely what makes them so funny.
With all the cracking characters that’ve graced our television screens over the years, we just know there’s some real gems that we’ve missed off here, so what other iconic Gogglebox moments would you add to the list?
Let us know.
Trending
Manchester City set to re-sign former youth keeper James Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester City look set to re-sign their former academy goalkeeper, James Trafford, just over two years after he left the club.
The Burnley shot-stopper was signed by the Lancashire side back in June 2023 after he impressed in two consecutive seasons on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
Now, just a few transfer windows later, it looks like Man City are set to fend off interest from other Premier League outfits for the chance to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, an agreement is already in place for him to return to Manchester in the next few days.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
According to Romano, the Cockermouth-born and Carlisle-blooded keeper, who joined the City youth setup at the age of 12, will be signed once again for a fee below the previously reported £40m price tag.
Although the details of the contract are yet to be fully confirmed, it is said that City maintained the option to match the bid of any other team that came in within three days as part of the stipulation.
Backed up by The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, it seems the club have done just that, entering a matched price of £27m (before add-ons) after an offer was made by Newcastle United.
Once again, the wages he will earn upon returning to the Etihad remain undisclosed, but you can assume they have promised a more attractive package than Newcastle; you would expect some assurances surrounding playing time, too.
Although Ederson is the first-choice goalkeeper on paper, he and backup keeper Stefan Ortega have been increasingly rotated across multiple competitions, and the 22-year-old said in an interview back in 2021 that he believes he has the potential and talent to become “Manchester City’s number one.”
Here are some of the highlights from the previous term.
Having impressed at youth level for England and most notably keeping 29 clean sheets – conceding just 16 goals in all 45 league fixtures in 24/25 – with Burnley securing automatic promotion as one of the best defences in the EFL, he’s not just a young prospect any more: he’s a sought-after shot-stopper.
It seems only a matter of time before his comeback is officially announced by the clubs, with Trafford preparing to sign a five-year contract with his old employers and where the bulk of his youth development took place.
The question is, Man City fans: can you see him pushing Ederson and Ortega, who have both been linked with moves away themselves, for the starting gloves?
Meanwhile, although Pep might be looking to phase in a new go-to between the sticks, another member of his senior squad who has struggled to nail down a consistent spot in the first XI could, conversely, be on his way out the exit door.
Jack Grealish linked with Serie A switch as Manchester City star reportedly wants a move away
Danny Jones
Manchester City star and England international, Jack Grealish, has been linked with leaving for a possible Serie A switch as the midfielder is reportedly eyeing an exit from the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old is already being monitored by a number of clubs here in England and in mainland Europe, but it appears that Italian champions Napoli have emerged as the latest and seemingly strongest suitors looking to add Jack Grealish to their growing roster.
A number of outlets are reporting interest from the ‘Gli Azzurri’, who have already signed former Man City talisman Kevin De Bruyne this summer, and look to be continuing with a productive period of recruitment ahead of defending their fourth league title – the second in the space of three seasons.
It wouldn’t be a change in colour or even in position, apparently, as they have identified him as a number of left-sided targets this summer, according to the likes of Corriere dello Sport.
🚨 Jack Grealish remains on a list of wingers still being considered by Napoli, @CorSport claim 👀🩵
The former Aston Villa favourite was left out of the FIFA Club World Cup after Pep Guardiola revealed the pair had shared “honest” discussions regarding his future in Manchester, but did reassure that it was the “best” decision for him and is not ruling out a resolution before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Telegraph‘s Matt Law states that Grealish has returned to City but only to train alone and will remain apart from the rest of the team until an outcome has been decided.
Other clubs that are said to be keen on tapping up the dynamic winger and attacking midfielder include Spurs, West Ham, Newcastle and even Everton are thought to be exploring a potential approach.
Guardiola‘s squad are expected to resume training on 28 July following a much-needed break post-tournament, which they crashed out of in the round of 16 following a shock defeat to Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, it is claimed that the England star has already flown to Naples.
As per Manchester Evening News (MEN), Grealish’s driver, Salvatore, told the ‘Radio Goal’ show on native station Kiss Kiss Napoli that the footballer is already training privately on the Amalfi Coast.
The outlet also recently wrote that the 29-year-old would be available if the right offer came in, with Man City supposedly wanting around £40 million for his prospective sale.
Jack Grealish is now considered well within his traditional ‘prime years’, and arguably soon to exit this crucial period for any athlete, so he will no doubt be pushing hard for a move this summer if his place with the sky blues is still undecided.
Despite being a well-regarded talent and regularly picked for his national team, the Brummy-born footballer has struggled to cement a spot in the starting XI under Pep, so perhaps leaving City might be the best for both Grealish and City, who are continuing to rebuild with new personnel.
He’s not the only Manchester-based star looking to the continent for a new lease on life.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd October 2020 
