Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig-Webb have left Gogglebox and fans are devastated (Picture: Channel 4)
Gogglebox viewers were delighted to have their favourite show return this week for another series – but there’s something different about it this time.
After 10 years as a sofa critic on the Channel 4 show, Stephen Webb shocked viewers earlier this week by announcing he would be leaving Gogglebox.
Joining him would be his husband Daniel Lustig-Webb, with the couple keen to ‘explore opportunities’ after a decade making us all laugh out loud with their witty comments and savage reviews.
‘After careful consideration, Daniel and I have decided we will not be returning for the new series of Gogglebox,’ Stephen shared on social media.
‘We feel the time is right to move on and explore other opportunities.’
So, when Gogglebox returned on Friday night (September 8), there’s no denying that there was a Stephen-shaped hole.
Stephen appeared on the Channel 4 show for 10 years (Picture: Instagram)
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As a result, some regular viewers even branded it ‘boring’.
Taking to Twitter to express their sadness, one person wrote: ‘Losing Stephen is a big loss im finding this quite boring missing some of the old cast’.
‘Not gonna be the same #Gogglebox without Stephen and Daniel, really enjoyed their reviews’, another said.
‘It’s weird watching @C4Gogglebox without Stephen and Daniel’, echoed another.
‘Gonna miss Stephen and Daniel so much they were fab’, one viewer agreed.
Following Stephen and Daniel’s Gogglebox departure, show creators Studio Lambert and Channel 4 had nothing but love for the duo.
‘After a brilliant and illustrious time on Gogglebox, Stephen and Daniel have decided that now is the right time to explore life beyond the sofa and leave the show,’ their statement read.
‘As one of the original Goggleboxers, Stephen has entertained the nation with his hilarious quips since the show first started in 2013, sharing his opinions on the best and biggest TV events of the last 10 years.
‘We would like to thank him and Daniel for being utterly brilliant contributors to the show, and we wish them well with their future projects.’
Hairdresser Stephen was also inundated with sweet messages from his co-stars.
Dave Griffiths – who appears on the show with his wife Shirley – commented: ‘Aww that’s upset me and shirley, to think your finishing but we all take different paths you both take care lots of love dave and shirley xxx ❤️❤️’
Sophie Sandiford – who appears with hilarious older brother Pete – added: ‘Best of luck to both of you, you’ll be greatly missed!❤️ lots of love🥰 xx’
One half of the Warner sisters, Izzi, added: ‘Gonna miss you both 😭😭💗💗’
Stephen joined the Gogglebox family in 2013, first appearing with his ex Christopher Steed.
Fans have branded the show ‘boring’ without the pair (Picture: Shutterstock)
The Siddiquis are now the longest-standing Goggleboxers (Picture: Channel 4)
After Christopher left the series in 2017, Stephen’s mother Pat Webb took his place from series 10 to 12, before Daniel joined in 2019.
There’s no doubt that he gave fans some iconic, meme-worthy moments over the years, but now only one original family remains.
The Siddiquis have starred also since 2013, making them the longest-standing Goggleboxers.
Current fan favourites also include best pals Jenny Newby and Lee Riley, who joined (from their famous caravan) in 2014.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4 and All4.
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The much-loved sofa critic left after 10 years.