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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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?
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
Trending
Oscar Bobb loan interest ramps up as Manchester City look set to sign Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Interest in Manchester City forward Oscar Bobb appears to be ramping up ahead of the January transfer window, with the club reportedly set to bring in another attacker come the New Year.
Yes, Antoine Semenyo might be on the verge of being the latest incoming, but his arrival could see a minimum of one name heading for the exit door.
According to several sources, there have been plenty of suitors for Oscar Bobb in the Premier League – including Newcastle United and Fulham – but it looks as though another big European team is currently leading the race for his signature.
Multiple outlets are stating that Borussia Dortmund’s pursuit of the Norwegian attacking midfielder/winger is looking the most advanced right now; meanwhile, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been coy on the subject in his most recent press conference.
🚨🟡⚫️ “Oscar Bobb and Borussia Dortmund in talks? You can ask Oscar, not me…”, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/8Al1ron62Q
While Germany looks to be the most likely destination, the 22-year-old’s utmost priority will surely be more regular football, with a hamstring injury having somewhat derailed his progress after making his debut as an academy graduate back in 2023.
Either way, it looks as though the Prem’s hottest prospect, Semenyo, has made up his mind.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the situation this week, writing: “Antoine Semenyo, on the verge of joining Man City with deal at final stages. Agreement in place with the player after he indicated City as [his favoured] destination – club to club almost done.”
The Italian journalist has it that “Semenyo set to become first Man City’s [January] signing”, but it’s also worth noting that these two deals could set further transfers in motion besides just Bobb’s.
For instance, elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly considering a move for either one of two offensive, albeit still quite recent MCFC signings, Savinho and Omar Marmoush – though it has been reported that Pep is keen to keep the latter at the very least.
What do you see happening, Blues, and more importantly, who do you want to see stay or go?
Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2020 
