‘I miss them all’: Gogglebox Australia producer reveals his sadness over the loss of the older cast members during the coronavirus pandemic
The producers of Gogglebox are taking extra precautionary measures to protect the older members of their cast during the coronavirus pandemic.
Executive producer of the award-winning show, David McDonald, told TV Tonight they are strictly following social distancing and lockdown guidelines, and that means some cast members have been forced to temporarily leave the show.
Among those missing in action, include Sydney-based art dealers Mick and Di Kershaw, who have been on the program since season one.
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‘It’s for everyone’s safety’: Gogglebox Australia producer David McDonald said they are protecting the older cast members, including Mick and Di Kershaw (pictured) amid the coronavirus pandemic by following the guidelines set out by the government
The elderly couple, 77 and 74 respectively, made the tough decision leave earlier this month in a video on Gogglebox’s Instagram.
The duo said they were ‘considered old people’ and most at risk from the deadly virus.
Speaking of their self-isolation so far, Mick said: Hopefully, by the start of the next season, all of this will be behind us and you’ll be seeing us again on Gogglebox.’
Di added: ‘This is a very, very crazy world that we live in and actually I did suggest we should have a new TV show called “Survivor: In The Home”.’
Staying at home: Among some of the cast missing in action include Sydney-based art dealers Mick and Di Kershaw (pictured), who have been on the show since season one. The elderly couple, 77 and 74 respectively, made the tough decision leave the show earlier this month
‘We just have to be cautious. We have to follow the guidelines that the government has set out. And I certainly want to protect and look after them,’ Gogglebox producer David said.
‘It’s a shame because I miss all of them. It’s just for everyone’s safety, the crew and the cast.’
Fans of the show may have also noticed another senior member of the cast, Emily ‘Emmie’ Silbery, has not been on the program in recent times.
She has had to isolate herself away from her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle, with whom she usually watches TV with.
Keeping apart: Fans of the show may have also noticed another senior member of the cast, Emily ‘Emmie’ Silbery, has not been on the show in recent times
Missing Emmie: Emmie has had to isolate herself away from her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle, with whom she usually watches TV with
Meanwhile, Jad Nehmetallah has had to watch TV with his friends Sarah Marie and Matty via laptop, as he could be a potential risk to their new baby Malik.
Jad, who owns three cafes, has been one of the many business owners who have been affected by the lockdown.
He has shut down his establishments amid the pandemic, while Sarah Marie, who is a makeup artist, has had to cancel all appointments.
Keeping their distance for now: Meanwhile, Jad Nehmetallah has had to watch TV with his friends Sarah Marie and Matty via laptop as he could be a potential risk to baby Malik
Executive producer David told the TV Tonight that the show has been able to resonate and comfort viewers in lockdown because it’s a reflection of what the country is experiencing.
‘I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. It’s the familiarity and probably just watching people on TV going through exactly the same thing,’ he said.
Gogglebox Australia continues Thursday at 9:45 pm on Channel 10
Going through the same thing: Executive producer David told the TV Tonight that the show has been able to resonate and comfort with viewers in lockdown because it’s a reflection of what the country is experiencing (Pictured the Delpechitra family)