Where are the original cast of Gogglebox now? From heartbreaking deaths to £5m business going bust
This is what the OGs are up to now!Gogglebox has been entertaining the nation for well over a decade, but before the show became the TV institution it is today, it was the original cast who helped put it firmly on the map. From unforgettable one-liners to real-life ups and downs, those early sofa stars played a huge part in its success.
The Channel 4 show first aired in 2013 and quickly became a surprise hit. Its popularity has since been recognised with multiple awards, including BAFTAs in 2014 and 2022 in the Reality & Constructed Factual category, as well as several National Television Awards.
Here, we take a look back at the original Gogglebox cast and what they’ve been up to since their time on the show.
Gogglebox original cast: The Tapper family
The Tapper family – dad Jonathan, mum Nikki, daughter Amy and son Josh – were fixtures on Gogglebox for an impressive 11 series between 2013 and 2018.
Josh was the first to leave the show after landing an apprenticeship with the UK Government. Amy soon followed and later appeared on E4’s Celebs Go Dating.
Amy and Jonathan have both stayed in the public eye thanks to their weight loss journey. In February last year, Amy revealed she had lost five stone.
“Officially 5 stone down and I couldn’t be happier,” she wrote on Instagram. “Never thought I’d be able to reach this milestone so I think I can say I’m proud of myself. Thank you for being by my side throughout it all @tashelite.fitness.”
Jonathan also suffered a major health scare after contracting coronavirus and being left fighting for his life. Thankfully, he pulled through.
Sandi and Sandra
Best friends Sandra Martin and Sandi Bogle were part of Gogglebox for three years before moving on to other projects.
In 2016, Sandi quit the show and went on to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house the following year. Her series featured the likes of Sarah Harding, Amelia Lily and Paul Danan.
Sandi later pursued a music career, releasing her own album, and also appeared on Celebrity Fat Fighters.
Sandra continued appearing on Gogglebox with her daughter for another year before leaving. She later appeared on shows including 100 Years Younger In 21 Days and First Dates.
Steph and Dom Parker
Steph and Dom Parker, often described as the show’s posh couple, remained on Gogglebox until 2016.
After leaving, Dom appeared on Channel 4’s The Jump and Celebrity MasterChef. The pair also took part in Celebrity Hunted and released their own book, Steph and Dom’s Guide to Life.
However, things later took a difficult turn when they confirmed their £5 million hotel, The Salutation, had gone bust.
“We are sorry to confirm that The Salutation Hotel Ltd, which has been managing The Salutation, has indeed become insolvent,” Dom explained.
Stephen Webb and Chris Ashby-Steed
Stephen Webb appeared on the very first series of Gogglebox in 2013 alongside his on-screen partner Chris Ashby-Steed.
Chris remained on the show until series 11, with viewers later shocked when Stephen’s mum Pat replaced him on the sofa. Although Stephen and Chris had previously been in a relationship, they were just friends by the time they joined the show.
In an interview with the Mirror, Chris revealed that mental health struggles led to his exit.
“There have been times where I’ve felt so low that I think, ‘How can I kill myself?'” he said.
Chris also claimed tensions between the pair played a role, including an incident where Stephen rejected a joint opportunity without consulting him.
“After he sent that email, I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it,” Chris admitted.
He also claimed Stephen would regularly put him down with remarks he found hurtful.
Stephen later married Daniel Lustig-Webb, who joined him on Gogglebox in 2019. The pair left the show in 2023 following their split. Stephen later appeared on Celebs Go Dating and was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice in 2024 after breaking his ankle during training.
Gogglebox original cast: Michaels family
The Michaels family left Gogglebox in 2021 following the tragic death of dad Andrew after a short illness.
Former executive producer Victoria Ray told the Daily Star: “We have had people from the show pass away recently. We lost Mary and Andy, and a little while ago we lost Pete. Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy.”
She added that the family would always be welcome to return, though they have since lived a quieter life away from the spotlight. Alex occasionally shares updates on Instagram and sells fleeces she makes herself.
Leon and June Bernicoff
Leon and June Bernicoff were part of the show’s original line-up and appeared for the first 10 series before Leon died in December 2017, aged 83, following a short illness.
Channel 4 announced the news in an emotional statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news that after a short illness Gogglebox’s Leon Bernicoff passed away in hospital earlier today.”
“Leon and his wife June were the first members of the public to be cast for Gogglebox back in early 2013, and they soon grew to become much-loved voices during the course of the show’s 10 series to date,” the statement continued.
“Leon’s unique personality and sharp wit endeared him to fans of the show, as he contributed fully to Gogglebox’s reputation as a programme full of warm humour and unvarnished opinion.”
In 2017, June released a memoir titled Leon and June: Our Story: Life, Love & Laughter and later moved away from Liverpool in 2019.
Gogglebox original cast: Allen family
Sisters Charlotte, Gemma and Louise Allen appeared in the first two series while living in their family home in Essex.
After leaving in 2013, they largely stepped away from the public eye. It has since been reported that Charlotte works in fashion.
Steven Dermott and Michael Wilcock
Liverpool best friends Stephen Dermott and Michael Wilcock also left the show in 2013 after appearing in the first two series.
While Michael has kept a low profile, Stephen has gone on to find major success on TikTok, where he has built up millions of followers and likes.
Chris and Colin Staples and Gill Gibson and Helen Tait
Father-and-son duo Chris and Colin Staples, along with mother and daughter Gill Gibson and Helen Tait from Maidstone, also left after the first series.
Since then, none of them have returned to television, and little is known about what they’re up to now.
Read more: Gogglebox star Helena Worthington welcomes baby as she ‘swaps screen time for snuggles’
