Chris Butland-Steed has announced that he’s leaving Gogglebox, with his TV partner Stephen Webb’s mum set to take his place.
Chris had been on the Channel 4 show since it began in 2013, alongside Stephen Webb, his former boyfriend-turned-good pal.
The duo were viewer favourites, becoming so popular that they were even hired to join Kevin Bacon in one of phone firm EE’s famous adverts.
However, it seems their telly partnership is no more, as Chris has confirmed that he’s quitting the Gogglebox cast.
I’d like to announce I've decided to leave Gogglebox and am looking forward to the exciting adventures that lay ahead! Huge thanks to @C4Gogglebox @Channel4 for the amazing experiences I’ve had & wish cast & crew well. Massive thanks to the fans for their support! #watchthisspace pic.twitter.com/2T8JpA3Y7E
— Chris Ashby-Steed (@ChrisAshbySteed) February 22, 2018
The Brighton hairdresser explained on his Twitter page that he’s looking for a ‘new start’ after getting married to his husband Tony last year.
“After 10 series, a wedding, and a helluva lot of takeaways, our lovely dogs and I have decided it’s time to say a very fond farewell to our Gogglebox family,” he wrote.
“I’ve loved every minute of being on the show, and will never forget all the amazing things it’s allowed me to do.
“I’d like to thank the fans for all their love and support, Studio Lambert and Channel 4 for giving me this wonderful opportunity, and of course, Stephen.”
A Channel 4 spokesperson responded: “Chris has decided to pursue other opportunities but we want to thank him for his fantastic contributions across ten series.”
Fans of Stephen needn’t worry, as he will continue to be a Gogglebox regular.
He will now team up with his mother, Pat, who has previously made guest appearances on the show.
“I wish [Stephen] and Mummy Pat all the very best on the show, and I look forward to watching them every week,” added Chris.
Chris was one of the last remaining Gogglebox stars who had taken part in every series.
An insider commented to The Sun that he is “the biggest star to leave the show since Scarlett Moffatt”.
Gogglebox returns to Channel 4 for its eleventh series tonight at 9.00pm.
