Celebrity Gogglebox viewers were left feeling misled and promptly “switched off” the episode aired on December 20, after Channel 4 promoted what was believed to be a fresh instalment but turned out to be a repeat.
The show, which has garnered a massive following with millions tuning in every Friday, features pairs of celebrities or regular folks reacting to the week’s television offerings across the UK.
Expectations for a new episode were dashed when fans realised they were watching celebrity pairings like Gok Wan with Fearne Cotton and Martin with Roman Kemp commentating on TV segments that were several months old.
One disgruntled viewer took to social media to express their disappointment: “Sat down to watch the ‘Brand New’ #CelebrityGogglebox only to find out that it’s actually just a compilation of stuff broadcast months ago. That’s weak of Gogglebox.”
Another opted to switch channels, commenting: “#Gogglebox Where is Gogglebox? Why have Ch4 put on a summer edition with so called Celebrities in it? Not good I’ll watch No Time To Die. Thanks for nothing, Ch4,”, reports the Express.
A third shared their frustration with the current TV landscape: “Really getting f***** off with the TV recently! EVERYTHING seems to be repeats! Got settled to watch Celeb Gogglebox thinking it was a new series, or a Christmas special! Oh how wrong am I! YET AGAIN ANOTHER REPEAT! Utter sh**e!”
Further criticism came from another viewer who pointed out: “#celebritygogglebox how can this be advertised as ‘new celebrity gogglebox’ it was basically filmed In the summer . Not up to date at all. A lot has happened since then.”
Additionally, some viewers were not pleased with the celebrities’ comments about US president Donald Trump following a clip featuring him.
The episode also featured appearances from Rylan Clark and his mum Linda; Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash; Shaun Ryder and Bez; Jane McDonald and her best friend Sue; Nick Grimshaw and his niece Liv; Rob Beckett and Tom Allen; Melanie C and her brother Paul, plus Gyles Brandreth with Lulu.
Gogglebox airs Friday night at 9pm on Channel 4