Gogglebox star Calum has announced he is leaving the show as he emigrates to Australia with his partner. Calum, 31, joined the series last September alongside his friend Jake, 27.
His departure is due to the significant relocation. Louis, 28, a childhood friend of Jake's, has been introduced as Calum's replacement. "Gogglebox has always been a bit of a comfort show for me, so when the opportunity came up to join one of my best mates on the sofa, I thought why not! I’m most looking forward to sitting down together, having a laugh and doing what we do anyway!" Louis said.
Calum expressed his mixed emotions about leaving the show. "I am very far away from Scotland right now, and that’s because me and my partner have moved to Australia… that means a few things, the most obvious one being that unfortunately I am leaving the show," he stated. He added, "I had the most wonderful time, and I can’t sing the praises enough of everyone on and off camera, the entire Gogglebox family, so it’s very bittersweet to be leaving."
Calum also clarified that his friendship with Jake remains strong. "The other important thing to mention is that Jake and I are still wonderful pals, and we’ve asked our friend Louis to keep Jake company on the sofa, as he gets a bit lonely sometimes," he explained. "You’re in very good hands with the two of them… I am very, very proud to have been part of the Gogglebox family, but for now I will be watching alongside all of you from my sofa in Australia!"
Earlier this month, Gogglebox received the Factual Entertainment award at the National Television Awards. The show had previously introduced two new households for its 28th series, including brothers Steve and Mark from Newcastle, and mother and son Sandy and Max from London. Max is noted as the first participant with Down syndrome to be featured on the program.