Gogglebox announces two new families and first cast member with Down's syndrome for new series
Gogglebox returns on FridayGogglebox has announced two new families for the new series including Max, the show’s first cast member with Down’s syndrome.
The 33-year-old will share a north London sofa with his mum, Sandy, 62.
Newcastle brothers Steve, 44, and Mark, 46, form the second new household.
The milestone brings representation to the centre of the show’s latest cast update. Both groups also bring different family dynamics to the long-running Channel 4 programme.
The two households continue a run of Gogglebox cast changes, following five new families in 2025.
Max and Sandy put representation at the heart of Gogglebox cast
Sandy sees their casting as a chance to offer a positive portrayal of disabilities.
Sandy said appearing beside her son would be “total magic”. She wants viewers to recognise that someone can be “smart, opinionated and hilarious”.
She said: “To have people see the superstar, who is my son, and realise that a person with a learning disability can be smart, opinionated and hilarious is very important for me.”
That message sits at the heart of their Gogglebox debut. Sandy wants audiences to see Max’s humour and strong opinions.
Max has his own aim for the programme. He said: “I’m all about spreading the love and showing other learning-disabled people what we can achieve.”
He also believes he is funnier than his mum. Max described Sandy as his greatest supporter.
Television is already a big interest for Max. He looks forward to watching programmes and sharing his views about them.
He can fall asleep during programmes, yet Sandy says he quickly re-engages after waking. His strong opinions soon return, which Sandy finds funny.
Their identical tabby cats, Boogie and Pilgrim, will also join the pair. Their names come from an Elton John song.
Steve and Mark bring Newcastle banter to Gogglebox cast
Steve has kept his Gogglebox role from his friends so far. He hopes they discover the news by seeing him on television.
Mark described joining the programme with his brother as surreal. He also expects filming together to be great fun.
The football-loving brothers usually watch Newcastle United together. Those matches bring their usual stress, while Gogglebox offers a different shared experience.
Mark also welcomes another reason to spend time with Steve. Their family, however, gave them one clear warning.
He said: “Everyone’s absolutely stoked. When I told our mam that we might be doing the show, the first thing she said was ‘please don’t swear.’ I told her I can’t make that promise.
“I’ve not told my friends yet. I think waiting for them to read or see me on the TV will be a better surprise.”
When does Gogglebox series 28 starts on Channel 4?
Series 28 of Gogglebox will begin on Friday, September 4 at 9pm on Channel 4.
Gogglebox records ordinary families, couples and friends reacting to the week’s television from their homes.
The programme premiered in 2013. It has won National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and Baftas.
The format also produced Gogglesprogs and Celebrity Gogglebox. Craig Cash, known for The Royle Family, narrates the main series.
Max, Sandy, Steve and Mark will make their debuts in series 28.
The new series of Gogglebox begins on Channel 4 on Friday, September 4 at 9pm.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
