Gogglebox aired tonight despite a shake-up in scheduled programming following Queen Elizabeth II’s death – and viewers felt ‘comforted’ by its return.
In a statement issued to Metro.co.uk, Channel 4 emphasised that it has been ‘respectful’ by extending its news coverage surrounding the death of the Queen aged 96.
‘Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen,’ the statement read.
The broadcaster continued to confirm that Gogglebox would air tonight: ‘Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this. Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers.’
Friday’s episode was filmed prior to the Queen’s death, which happened on Thursday, September 8, while she was staying in Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
Taking to Twitter to thank the network for airing the show during such sad times, Gogglebox fans hailed it ‘good for the soul.’
‘Really grateful to @Channel4 for broadcasting @C4Gogglebox tonight. As sad as the news is, this is the comfort viewing we all need tonight’, one fan tweeted.
Another wrote: ‘I’m so glad Channel 4 decided to still show #Gogglebox tonight. A welcome break. A brief distraction. I understand the need for rolling news coverage on other channels. And I’ve been watching a lot of it. But it’s nice to also have the option of something lighter to watch.’
‘A good decision for @Channel4 to show #Gogglebox tonight. A lovely bit of warmth to make us smile at this sad time’, wrote a third.
One viewer said that ‘a good dose of Gogglebox is what we’ve been waiting for’, praising it for being a ‘mood lifter’, while another said they ‘needed a laugh’.
This week’s show did not pay tribute to the Queen, given that it was recorded before she died but, should it air next week, viewers predict an outpouring of emotion from the sofa critics.
‘I’m sure there will be a full tribute next week’, one person said, while others are already preparing themselves for ‘floods of tears’.
It is yet to be confirmed whether Gogglebox will go ahead next Friday.
