GOGGLEBOX has continued to entertain the UK, with fans praising the heart-warming interactions of stars who – like us – are tuning into some telly from their sofas in lockdown.
Many viewers have been left confused about whether those still appearing on the programme are flouting social distancing rules. But how much are those still filming getting paid?
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How much do Gogglebox stars get paid?
Gogglebox is a British reality TV series which has aired regularly on Channel 4 since 2013.
The show involves small groups of family and friends watching a wide variety of shows from the comfort of their living room while sharing their honest thoughts.
Despite the fact that it doesn’t sound like too much effort, those who appear on the series are paid a fee.
Producers have never confirmed how much this is and whether it’s per person, or per group.
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However, The Sun exclusively revealed in 2016 that each household is paid the same monthly allowance of £1,500.
A show insider shared that the fee is then split amongst contributors at their own discretion.
What’s more, they also get to tuck into a free takeaway of their choice to keep them fuelled during long filming sessions.
They have to watch 12 hours of telly a week in total – which is divided into two six-hour stints.
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This allows most participants to hold down their usual full-time or part-time jobs around filming.
It seems most stars make their extra cash through deals and endorsements they strike thanks to their Gogglebox fame.
Scarlett Moffatt, who appeared on the show until 2016, revealed on I’m A Celebrity that she had paid off her parents’ mortgage with her newfound fortune.
Meanwhile, Sandra Martin, who left in 2017, told the Mail On Sunday that she had been making an annual salary of £100,000 thanks to the programme.
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Most of the current stars were approached by casting directors.
However, Studio Lambert producers have in the past encouraged viewers with “strong and entertaining” opinions to get in touch with them via email at takepart@studiolambert.com.
Despite this, the show’s creator Stephen Lambert previously said in 2015 of the casting process that “everybody on Gogglebox has been found and persuaded to be on the show and I think that’s the key to why they are likeable and why the show works, because we get to know these people”.
At the time, he noted: “We’ve never advertised for people on Gogglebox.”