Gogglebox viewers divided as they give brutal verdict on huge cast shakeup

Gogglebox fans have shared their excitement for a brand new series that kicked off on Friday night, yet were in for a surprise. The hit Channel 4 show of families watching the latest week's TV has been a hit with viewers for years.

However, the new series has been given a major overhaul. Earlier this summer, it was confirmed that Scottish couple Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle were leaving the show after producers decided not to invite them back for the 26th run.

The decision came as a shock to fans, who were also surprised to see the arrivals of five new families. Two new Scottish duos are among the fresh groups of telly watchers - pals Jake, 27, and Calum, 31, from Glasgow plus sisters Rosie, 68, and Susie, 70, from Edinburgh.

READ MORE: Gogglebox stars reveal why kids were kicked off the show as they share big career change

READ MORE: How Gogglebox is filmed as five new families join Channel 4 series

87-year-old Sara from Yorkshire, who will watch the box alongside her daughter-in-law Lara, 58, has become Gogglebox's oldest star. The other two families are the Gordons from Surrey, including parents Andre, 49, and Sarah, 47, alongside their daughter Chee, 25 plus married couple Andrew, 62, and Alfie, 32, from the Cotswolds.

As the new stars made their debut on Friday night, the show's loyal fans were stunned at the additions. The decision clearly left them divided as one asked: "Who are all these new people??!!!"

Another added: "I'm never more judgmental than when a new family appears on #gogglebox." Someone else commented: "I already dislike the new people." A fourth wrote: "Argh not new people!!"

Yet, other fans were more pleased by the new stars as one quipped: "A few new families by the looks of it - about time!." Another declared: "Ooooooo new family’s!!!" Someone else added: "Oh how i missed #Gogglebox."

An insider told us how the changes were to “inject a bit of freshness” into the long-running show, which remains one of Channel 4’s best-loved titles after 13 years on air.

However, some original stars may feel they are now in danger of being pushed out in the coming months if the new arrivals prove popular.

Mike Cotton, creative director for production company Studio Lambert, said it was “a delight” to welcome the fresh households into the Gogglebox family.

He added: “Along with our much-loved returning cast, we can't wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this weeks most talked about TV.''

They join regular Goggleboxers pals Jenny and Lee, the Siddiqui family, the Malone family, married couple Giles and Mary, sisters Ellie and Izzi, Welsh married couple David and Shirley, the Plummer brothers, sisters Amira and Amani, the Worthington family, siblings Pete and Sophie and friends Abbie and Georgia.

As well as married couple Sue and Steve, siblings Simon and Jane, married couple Ronnie and Annie, pals Danielle and Daniella, married couple Teresa and Anita and parents Michael & Sally, who appear with their teen twins Jake and Harry.

READ MORE: Michelle Keegan's 'amazing' hair mask down to £7.49 in early Black Friday deal

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .