I worked on Gogglebox - here's the truth about the show
by Jess Lester · Mail OnlineGogglebox has firmly remained as one of Channel 4's fan-favourite shows since it was launched in 2014 - so there's little surprise that viewers at home are always curious to go behind-the-scenes of the BAFTA-winning hit.
From what the families eat while tuning in to the hand-picked TV content, to the amount of hours of viewing the on-screen stars get through, discussions online have cropped up throughout its long on-screen run.
Now, one alleged former employee has spilled the beans once again, detailing how they get the perfect reactions from the cast members, and the freebies they get while filming.
Taking to forum site Reddit, the anonymous poster alerted other users: 'I worked on Gogglebox, feel free to ask me questions.'
And it didn't take long for the questions to come rolling in, with one Channel 4 fan soon asking: 'I've heard rumours the show is scripted, any truth in this?'
The alleged worker replied: 'No, it's not scripted. However, the families are briefed before filming as to what they're going to watch that evening.
'The producers watch the shows before the families and they know which sections are likely to provoke reactions.'
A second commenter asked whether the families are provided with free food during filming, and whether it this was a form of payment or a perk of appearing on the show.
The poster responded: 'I think all families are paid. But in the first season yes we bought their dinner if they fancied a takeout.'
They added of the filming schedule: '[Filming happens] when the families can fit us in around their lives generally, as this isn't a full time job.'
Elsewhere, another show fan asked how production teams behind-the-scenes at Channel 4 decide 'what should be cut', and pressing for information on scenes that didn't make it to air.
The alleged employee added: 'Too much to write and probably not get sued for... but a lot involved Steph and Dom [Parker] just getting very drunk...
'Leon being absolutely hilarious just sitting there having an old scratch, and some bloody hilarious comments from the guys in Brighton that weren't clean enough!'
It comes after Gogglebox star Ellie Warner has revealed she 'feels like she's won the lottery' as she unveiled an exciting new venture.
Ellie, 35, has appeared on the Channel 4 reality show alongside her sister Izzi, with the sisters joining the BAFTA winning format in 2015.
The star - who works as a hairdresser when away from Gogglebox - took to Instagram to share an update with her followers.
Ellie explained she would soon be keeping busy working hard on a new project - transforming a 57-year-old caravan into salon space, dubbed the 'Glamavan'.
Ellie captioned: 'INTRODUCING THE GLAMAVAN.
'Something that I’ve been working on behind the scenes since last spring!
'I’ve been wanting to create a private studio space to work in for a VERY long time.
'At first I was considering a garage conversion, but turned out my garage wasn’t a suitable structure.'
She continued: 'She was in storage in Loughborough and isn’t in a towable condition, so finding someone to transport her for a reasonable price took some time but patience is a virtue (which I do not possess) and it bought me some time to build a carport on my drive as she needed to be kept under cover, because she’s currently not watertight either, thank you.
'She finally arrived in September but until now, I haven’t had the opportunity to make any progress.
'However all good things come to those who wait and good she will be.
'My fabulous friend Siobhan is going to be working on the project and we are going to create a showstopper from this humble piece of scrap metal.
'WATCH THIS SPACE.'
One follower commented: 'So excited for this glow up.'
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Another said: 'What a great idea! Looking forward to seeing the end product.'
A third added: 'So excited for this glow up.'
A fourth remarked: 'Omg I love this. Can’t wait to see the journey.'
While a fifth chimed in: 'This is gunna be amazing.'
Among Ellie's co-stars are Sue Sheehan and her husband Steve, who have given fans an insight into their life in their South London home.
They joined the cast of Gogglebox in 2019 and have become fan favourites with their witty remarks..
The couple, who are both in their 60s and have been married for nearly 47 years, are devoted parents to two daughters and proud grandparents to their grandson, Roman.
Throughout the years, Steve, who was a former black cab driver, and Sue, who is semi-retired, have left viewers in stitches with their amusing reactions to the latest TV highlights.
They also regularly keep their 6,000 Instagram followers up-to-date on their everyday lives.
Gogglebox airs on Channel 4