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.
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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.
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“I told you not to touch it”
Just iconic.
“OH MY GOD”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS0zU7d7QJc
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.
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A tribute festival in memory of Mani from The Stone have been announced
Danny Jones
After plenty of talk and rumours ever since his passing, a tribute festival in memory of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield will honour the late great Stone Roses and Primal Scream bass player later this year.
Despite various organisations and regional residents having observed their own memorial services following his death on 20 November 2025, the city and Greater Manchester as a whole made it clear that they wanted to carry out a more dedicated form of remembrance.
And we couldn’t agree more.
Deciding to remember him in the past best way possible – by celebrating one of his greatest loves and legacies: music – ‘Manichester’ festival will be held this spring.
Hosted in partnership with Madchester.com and simply dubbed as “a tribute to a true Manc legend”, names both new, old and current will be joining the inaugural Manichester lineup.
Organised by the website and iconic Manchester streetwear brand GIOGOI, not to mention being “blessed by Mani’s family” directly, artists playing will range from those who were lucky enough to have played with him or, like us all, were simply left inspired by his unforgettable basslines.
As well as a ‘AAA headliner’ still yet to be confirmed, there are some serious legendary names on here, both local and beyond; at the minute, the roster of acts is looking like this:
Manichester 2026 lineup
Cast
Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order)
The Kowloons
A “specially assembled core band” featuring Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses), Rowetta, Simone Butler (formerly Primal Scream) and Mick Rossi (Slaughter and The Dogs)
Dave McCabe (The Zutons)
Baz Fratelli (The Fratellis)
Zak Starkey (Mantra of the Cosmos)
Steve White (ex-Oasis drummer)
Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers)
However, as they have teased in the announcement, “that’s just the start”, and with more names incoming, many are already trying to guess who the headliner could be. Some have even suggested Ian Brown himself might get up on the stage…
As per an official statement, key artwork for the event comes from the one and only and equally influential Stone Roses guitarist, John Squire, whose new designs will feature on flyers, limited-edition physical tickets and other promotional materials.
Manichester will take place on Saturday May 30, doors open 2pm.
Most importantly, all the proceeds from the special one-off in memoriam show will go towards Mani’s and Imelda’s twin boys, Gene and George – and who knows? This could be the start of a brand-new annual festival spawned in the name of a very special Mancunian.
GIOGOI added: “Manchester is the best city in the world, and we do things differently here. This is Manchester showing up. This is Madchester showing love. This is ‘Manichester’.“
Taking place on Saturday, 30 May and held at Diecast on Ducie Street in Manchester city centre from 2pm, it’s sure to be a momentous ocassions with thoughts of Mani and his family looming large in everyone’s minds.
The Premier League is keeping its crucial cap on away game ticket prices – for now
Danny Jones
The Premier League has announced it is extending its crucial price cap for away games, as the general cost of match tickets continues to creep up all over the country.
Most season card holders, be they here in Greater Manchester or elsewhere, are likely looking at their annual spending going up simply, so steps like these are key in keeping first division football as affordable as possible.
And that’s just the ongoing cost of living, let alone the clubs that are continuing the trend of charging more each year and, unfortunately, even pricing some supporters out entirely.
With that in mind, the news of England’s top-flight sides voting unanimously to keep the £30 cap intact for at least another two years comes as relief to those who spend most of the year putting their hard-earned cash towards following their team home and away.
BREAKING: The Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets for another two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L336aZwmn3
Now confirmed to remain in place until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, travelling fans obviously still spend plenty of money on transport and so on every year, but at least they don’t have to worry about rising general admissions.
At least not for the time being…
Writing in a statement, the Premier League said: “Away fans help create the incredible atmosphere Premier League matches are renowned for. Since the cap’s implementation in 2016, it has contributed to attendance at away games increasing from 82% to 91%.”
They also acknowledged the significant and regular funds that supporters still spend on these trips, with plenty of people online also praising the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which helped spearhead the campaign over a decade ago.
With so many other obstacles still getting in the way of fans making it to games either at their usual stadium or on an away day – not least of all the constant and increasingly frustrating rescheduling of fixtures – it’s good to see this isn’t an area the Prem are trying to target.
As always, the multi-billion-pound business can always seek out other, newer money spinners, and we’re absolutley certain they will. For instance, there’s at least one happening over in Spain that we’d happily see carried over here.
Following the news, this now means that fans will ultimately have enjoyed 12 back-to-back seasons of the benefit, and long may it continue.
Nevertheless, the biggest barrier for people to watch the beautiful game at its highest level in the UK remains the cost of standard tickets.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and more have already let matchgoers know that their season ticket prices will be going up, and the likes of Man City have already seen backlash for increasing rates amid the expansion of the Etihad Campus.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd October 2020 
