‘Jane McDonald called us cheeky little buggers’
As Gogglebox celebrates a decade on our screens, sofa faves Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig share their highlights
It’s 10 years since we first sat down in front of our TVs to watch other people sit down in front of theirs. Gogglebox made the reactions of ordinary members of the public addictive viewing – and made stars of the armchair critics.
On the show since the first episode has been Stephen Webb, who first appeared with ex-partner Chris, was then joined by his mum Pat, and now shares the sofa with husband Daniel Lustig.“I said no originally,”he recalls.“I didn’t want to be known for some awful reality show. But they won me around when they said they would pay us.”
Here, hairdresser Stephen, 51, and Daniel,
47, reflect on a decade of laughs and gaffs…
Can you believe it’s been 10 years? What did you think when you were first approached?
Stephen: We weren’t really told what it was going to be, so I never really understood it. As soon as I watched it,
I got it. I didn’t know it was going to last for 10 years, but I knew it was good. It felt good and I looked good.
What’s the secret of its success?
Stephen: Everyone I meet says,“I’d be good at that” or “I know someone who’d be good at doing that.”
Daniel: It’s a cross-section of everyone in the UK.
Stephen: In the salon, I’ve got teenagers then I’ve got someone in her nineties who watches it. That’s why I think it’s going to keep rolling along.
Do you get recognised? Stephen: We are stopped a lot. People recognise our house, so we come out and they go, “Oh, it is this one.”
Daniel: People always have the same questions – do you meet any of the others? How long do you do it for? Is there free food?
Stephen: Some get a bit star-struck. They’re like,“Is it you?
Is it really you?”I’m like,“Darling, I’m not Brad Pitt – come on.” Stephen, what influence has the show had on your life? Stephen: I’ve made some really good friends. People who’ve come to the salon because they’ve seen us on the show and we’ve become friends. I’ve been on holiday with people, been to weddings, funerals, all because of being on the show.
Do you have any favourite moments as viewers?
Stephen: The sofa turning over on Steph and Dom when they got tipsy. And Leon in the kitchen always getting caught in the fridge or rifling through the Quality Street tin.
Daniel: I think you’ve turned into that person.
Stephen: But those are the endearing moments.That’s why it works.You get the laugh-out-loud stuff then the lovely little family moments.
Has anyone ever been upset by what you’ve said about them? Daniel: I think everyone loves getting a mention on Gogglebox. They mention it on their Instagram. When I first started, I was so excited because Zoe Ball recognised me in Waitrose.
Stephen: Alan Carr said I’d said something horrible about him, but I’m sure that wasn’t me. Jane McDonald called us cheeky little buggers!
How do you see it in 10 years’ time? If it lasts 10 years more I’m going to be a lot wrinklier. I’ll be the Ken Barlow of Gogglebox – and Daniel will be Deirdre.