Tom Malone Jr confirmed yesterday that he’s leaving Gogglebox, after becoming a firm favourite on the show alongside his very Mancunian family.
Tom took to Twitter to announce that he is leaving Gogglebox for good, thanking Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for his time on the popular show.
The 26-year-old is part of the much-loved Malone family from Manchester, who joined Gogglebox back in 2014, with dad Tom Senior and mum Julie starring alongside Tom Jr and Shaun.
Tom Sr and Julie have two more children, Lee and Vanessa, although the older siblings have never appeared on the show.
While Tom Jr has officially departed the show, he confirmed that his family will remain on Gogglebox for future seasons – much to everyone’s delight.
He announced the news on Twitter, saying: “So after six years it’s finally time to put down the remote and say goodbye to Gogglebox.
“I’ve loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them.
“I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid! P.S. Don’t worry my parents and my brother will still be on the show to keep you guys entertained every Friday.”
He later returned to Twitter to respond to rumours about why he left the show, tweeting: “Just to clear a few things up: I didn’t ‘Quit’ the show… I left on good terms.
“My girlfriend never even wanted to be on the show and had nothing to do with me leaving. I wasn’t scared to say something stupid.
“Anyone spouting these narratives are spreading fabrications.”
While Tom has yet to reveal what new opportunities he’ll be exploring, his dance career is on the up so there’s likely a very bright future ahead of him, and we wish him all the best.
Gogglebox is returning to our screens for a new series tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.