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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Academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving Manchester City on a permanent transfer
Danny Jones
Manchester City youth academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving the club after sealing a move to Fulham FC.
Despite plenty of loan interest throughout the January transfer window, the Man City attacker has secured a switch to the in-form West London team on a permanent basis.
Bobb looked increasingly likely to leave in some capacity following the arrival of another winger in the form of instant hit, Antoine Semenyo, but it now looks as though his departure is all but confirmed, bar an imminent official announcement.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has now been reached between the two clubs pending a full medical today (Thursday, 29 January).
According to Romano, Fulham will pay Man City approximately £27 million for Bobb’s services, who becomes the latest addition in what has already been a fairly busy period of recruitment.
He goes on to add that “City also mantain [a] 20% sell-on clause, matching rights and future control on the player based on his decision.”
There is no suggestion of a buy-back clause at this time, but given his age and having already made a fair few appearances for Pep Guardiola‘s first team, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see him return to the club one day.
Bobb also arrives at Craven Cottage following the exit of multiple wingers and offensive options, including Adama Traore, ex-Man United product Andreas Pereira and Arsenal youngster, Reiss Nelson, whose loan deal has expired and has signed another temporary deal at local rivals, Brentford.
Had it not been for that injury I know he would’ve been class for City for a long time, and let’s not forget that goal v Newcastle pic.twitter.com/inGxi5UjPM
The young Norwegian winger joined the Etihad Campus back in 2023 and went on to contribute a handful of goals and assists, despite limited appearances and some very unfortunate injury issues.
Only seven months ago, his soon-to-be former parent club released a short video charting his return from the sidelines after fracturing his leg – a setback which kept him out for roughly five months.
Plenty of fans have quickly placed him in the so-called ‘what if?’ category of players, and given that he’s still just 22 years old and has already impressed on a number of ocassions for such a big club, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to have a very exciting career.
Can you see the Blues bringing in or letting anyone else go before deadline day?
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s is set to remove nearly all of its vegan and vegetarian options from the UK menu, according to reports.
We may be in what is known to some as Veganuary, but one of the world’s leading fast food chains has reportedly made the decision to drastically cut back on the selection of plant-based and meat-free options on its UK menu, appearing to align with the trends that show a decline in veganism overall.
McDonald’s is known for offering those who choose not to eat meat a choice of different options – from its Veggie Dippers to the popular McPlant burger.
But from the start of next month, only one options is apparently set to remain on the menu.
In a decision that seems to already be making fans on social media ‘furious’, McDonald’s has revealed that it will stop selling Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches.
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK / Credit: McDonald’s UK
All that remains will be the vegan McPlant Burger – which McDonald’s says still remains popular with steady sales.
According to reports in various outlets like the Daily Mail and Sky News, McDonald’s says it had reviewed feedback and sales data in order to make the decision.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK told the Daily Mail: “We’re always listening to our customers to help inform and evolve our menu. After reviewing feedback, alongside the sales data of our Veggie Dippers, it’s clear this product does not match the appeal of McPlant for our vegetarian customers.
“That’s why we’ve made the decision to remove them from the menu, as we focus on developing better vegetarian options that meet our high standards.
The fast food chain has released a statement as to why it is reducing options / Credit: Road Ahead (via Unsplash)
“While McPlant remains a firm fan favourite and will continue to be the go-to choice for our vegetarian and vegan customers, we recognise these changes may be disappointing for some.”
If this statement is anything to go by though, it does appear that the McPlant won’t stay the only vegan option on the menu forever, as the fast food chain has indicated that it is looking at introduction others in the future.
“We are actively learning from other markets to understand which vegetarian and vegan options are proving most popular and exploring exciting new offerings that we know customers will love,” the spokesperson’s statement concluded.
The Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches will be removed from the McDonald’s menu in the UK on 3 February.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2020 
