Pass the remote? Not a chance!

GOGGLEBOX (CHANNEL 4)

THE more things change, the more they stay the same.

Don’t mess with a winning formula is the mantra of telly bosses.

And that couldn’t be truer than with Gogglebox.

We’re now in the umpteenth series of the TV show about people watching TV shows.

Scarlett Moffatt has got stylists to advise on her fake tan now she has been transported from her Durham armchair to “the best seats in the house” on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

And posh tipplers Steph and Dom’s Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief appearance was said to have been a bit of an audition for this year’s Strictly.

But newer arrivals have stepped into the breach and the oldies have stepped up just fine with their views.

Bristol pensioners Mary and Marina have been a breath of fresh air.

The affectionate bickering of Welsh couple Dave and Shirley must strike a chord with long-married duos across the country.

We wonder if Leeds girl Ellie will find ever a boyfriend, and equally ponder if there is a pair of uglier, tattier, more mismatched armchairs anywhere in the country than Giles and Mary’s.

And, indeed, just a quirkier duo in general than the Wiltshire toffs.

As always the Siddiquis are the sharpest, most quick-witted of all.

And hairdressers Stephen and Chris are still great value.

Besides which, even if they had nothing to say I could happily just marvel at their amazing sleeping dogs!