Gogglebox stalwarts Lee Riley and Jenny Newby have delighted fans with a throwback snap from 16 years ago.
The best friends – who appear on the series as they critique the week’s TV from Lee’s caravan in Hull – are seen in the throwback during a cruise in 2004.
The pair look very different in the snap – with both Jenny and Lee sporting dark brunette locks (these days they’ve got a few more greys) as they laugh jollily in the photo.
Back in the day: Gogglebox stalwarts Jenny Newby and Lee Riley have delighted fans with a throwback snap from 16 years ago
The photo looks a little like they’re at a wedding – with Jenny clutching a bouquet of posies.
Lee was sure to inform fans that this was not a photo of them tying the knot.
‘Old photo 16 years ago of me and Jenny on a cruise taking the p**s and no before you ask we didn’t get married!’ Lee captioned the snap.
This is the second throwback they have shared since joining Instagram in March.
Old pals: The best friends – who appear on the series as they critique the week’s TV from Lee’s caravan in Hull – are seen in the throwback during a cruise in 2004
Locked down: The old pals have been staying together at Lee’s caravan during the coronavirus lockdown, but with the series coming to a close for now, Jenny will move out for a while
Another was posted on April 9, in which the pair look even younger.
The old pals have been staying together at Lee’s caravan during the coronavirus lockdown, but with the series coming to a close for now, Jenny will move out for a while.
This follows the news that Gogglebox favourites Mary and Marina were forced to stop filming episodes as bosses tried to protect them from the current pandemic.
The elderly pair are in lockdown in their homes in the St Monica Trust retirement village in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.
And despite being fan favourites, the best friends, who are both in the 90s, have been off-air this series.
Newbies: This is the second throwback they have shared since joining Instagram in March
Blast from the past: Another was posted on April 9, in which the pair look even younger
Show creator Tania Alexander said that producers took the decision to stop filming with Mary and Marina to lower their risk of infection.
Writing in The Telegraph, she said: ‘Unfortunately, it was not possible to film with the full cast.
‘For example, we took the decision to tell Mary and Marina, who are in their 90s and live in a care home, that we didn’t want them put at any risk, so we should stop filming with them altogether.’
Off air: Gogglebox stars Mary and Marina were told to stop filming episodes due to the coronavirus pandemic
In good health: The pair are ‘safe and well looked after’ but are disappointed not to be on the show this series
The popular pair are still in good health but disappointed to be missing out on the show, Tania revealed.
She said: ‘The ladies are safe and well looked-after, but often tell us they dearly miss the crews and the fun they have during filming each week.’
Some fans had been worried by their absence this season but bosses have reassured fans they are safe.
It comes after the Channel 4 show was the subject of complaints after many feared its stars weren’t isolating from each other.
Observing the rules: The Malone family earlier this month assured fans they are conforming to social distancing guidelines
At the time, a representative for Channel 4 told MailOnline: ‘Most of the families live together but where they don’t, they are complying with PHE social distancing guidelines.
‘Gogglebox will only film with families where it’s safe to do so. The health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount.’
Under current guidelines, Britons are told not to visit family members who live outside their homes in order to slow the spread of the virus.
Official advice from Public Health England states: ‘Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.’