Gogglebox fans notice beloved family's absence from new series
Gogglebox viewers have been wondering where one of the longest-serving families on the reality TV show have been lately after noticing their absence in the latest episodes.
The acclaimed Channel 4 show's new series launched last week, which features a number of returning cast members. The Malone family however hasn't yet appeared, including in the most recent episode which aired on Friday evening.
The family - who made their debut on Gogglebox in 2014 - is led by couple Tom Malone Snr. and Julie Malone. They are joined by their son Shaun Malone, though his siblings Tom Malone Jr. and Vanessa Malone have previously appeared.
Some fans have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, in recent weeks amid their absence. One person tweeted this week: "Anyone know what's happened to the Malones? Never the same without them." The post on Friday attracted a couple of likes, suggesting that other fans felt the same.
Another person wrote on the platform following the latest episode: "Where's the Malones? They weren't on last week's episode either." Similarly, someone else asked in a tweet that was posted just last week: "Where are the Malones?"
Gogglebox star shows off three stone weight loss in impressive year apart snapsSome fans suggested that the family are on holiday. Tom Snr. and Julie have been abroad with their family recently, having enjoyed a trip to Florida earlier this month. The family are understood to have only just returned home from the trip.
Tom Jr. shared photos from the trip on Instagram this week, including one of him and his mum Julie at Disney World together. Julie also shared a photo of herself and husband Tom Sr. together on the holiday last week alongside someone dressed up as the Disney character Goofy.
Alongside the photos he shared, Tom Jr. wrote: "Malone family holiday 2024. A family holiday was LONG overdue ... especially with the additions of my nieces and nephews (even if I did bring some Mancunian rain with me."
Tom Jr. announced his departure from Gogglebox in 2021, saying he was looking to pursue other opportunities. He wrote at the time: "So after six and a half years it's finally time to put down the remote and say goodbye to [the show]."
He added: "I've loved every minute and I'm eternally grateful to [Channel 4 and production company 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. PS. don't worry my family will still be on the show to keep you guys entertained every Friday," he further commented.
Gogglebox continues next Friday on Channel 4 from 9pm. Previous episodes are available on demand.