Why I ditched Gogglebox for a job... at Number 10

HE was one of the stand-out stars on the Channel 4 hit Gogglebox as part of those loveable North Londoners, the Tapper family.

But Josh Tapper has been absent from our screens this series after the Mirror revealed last year he had secured a job at No10.

TV bosses said at the time the star was on a “break” from the show and left the door open for him to return, while keeping parents Nikki and Jonathan and sister Amy on screen.

But talking for the first time exclusively to Square Eyes, Josh says how he has firmly slammed that door shut.

“The option to go back is always there but I want to move away from that and the focus is now very much on my job,” he says.

“Of course, I miss it [Gogglebox] and the sitting on the couch watching TV. But I am more focused on my future... it’s a more a secure path.”

But for a man who watched the telly as part of his previous day job, it’s no surprise that TV – and one of his favourite shows – was one of the reasons behind his new gig on the Government Communications Apprenticeship scheme.

Josh is an avid fan of US hit The West Wing, which saw Sam Seaborn, portrayed by Rob Lowe, as Deputy White House Communications Director

“I had an unusual interest sparked from watching The West Wing,” he laughs. “This time last year I googled Government Communications Apprenticeship and it came up.

“I had no idea it even existed. It was really surreal walking through that front door of No10. After a few seconds you completely forget where you are... in the heart of Government.”

But he laughs: “I am not at Sam Seaborn level yet”. So are any of his new colleagues inside the corridors of No10 fans of the Channel 4 show.

“I don’t think any ministers recognise me but the civil servants do. It took them a while to mention it – a total of about two days!”

I had an unusual interest sparked from watching The West Wing