Gogglebox stars Simon and Jane Minty(Image: X/Simon Minty)

The latest series of Gogglebox kicked-off last night and five new families took to their sofas to comment on the latest movies and series shown on TV. The much-loved series first aired in the UK on March 7 2013 and there has since been 25 series that have aired on Channel 4.

The new families joined the returning cast members, the biggest change to the new series was one family leaving the show. In July, Gogglebox fans were disappointed after finding out Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle would not be returning to our screens.

The couple announced the news on TikTok and a statement from Roisin said: “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa Channel 4 have decided it’s time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26.

One family that have returned for the new series are the Minty family. Simon and Jane Minty have been on the Channel 4 show since 2021 and quickly became fan favourites with their witty observations.

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Simon, 56, has dwarfism and runs his own business, Sminty Ltd, which is dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusivity for disabled individuals within companies across the UK and globally. Jane Minty’s job is in the catering industry and she runs her own kitchen.

After the series Simon and Jane took to their joint social media account, they wrote: “Lovely to be back. Hope you enjoyed all new Gogglebox last night. Or you enjoy it over the weekend if you’re saving it.”

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On his own account, Simon wrote: “Very happy to be back with a brand new series of Gogglebox. Thank you for the many positive beard comments and less thanks for those who are less keen! I suspect it will come and go. Have lovely weekends, peaceful and kind, whatever you’re doing.”

Simon and Jane Minty from Gogglebox (Image: SimonandJane_Gogglebox Instagram)

Fans commented on the appearance after the Instagram post was uploaded. One fan said: “Very distinguished almost regal2 and another said “Loving the beard Simon.”

Other replies were “Lovely to see you both and LOVE the beard” and “The beard is gorgeous!” A further fan of the new look said “Simon your rocking that beard.”

Speaking about the new additions to the Channel 4 show, Mike Cotton, Creative Director for Studio Lambert, the production team behind Gogglebox, said: “It’s a delight to welcome some new households to the Gogglebox family.

“Along with our much loved returning cast, we can’t wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this weeks most talked about TV.”

Those returning to the show include Jenny and Lee, The Siddiquis, The Malones, Giles and Mary, Ellie and Izzi and David and Shirley. The new families and friends that will be joining the Gogglebox cast are: