Gogglebox star Sid Siddiqui thanks fans after being absent from the show
He's updated fans on Twitter
Last updated 14th Sep 2020
Just weeks ago, Gogglebox favourite Sid Siddiqui revealed he'd missed an episode of the hit show due to an illness he was recovering from, but since then fans have been worried due to his lack of appearances in the last few weeks.
However, Sid, who usually appears on the Channel 4 show alongside his sons and fellow cast members Umar and Baasit, has taken to Twitter to give an update, thanking fans for all of their kind messages about his absence.
Sharing a selfie, Sid told his Twitter followers, 'A big hi to all my friends, I don’t feel you’re fans but my best and close friends I am sorry for my absence from #Gogglebox, your kind & beautiful messages always overwhelm me with touch of sadness. These difficult times will pass. Please #bestrong #besafe'. (sic)
Many followers were quick to reply to Sid's message, wishing him all the best in lockdown. One user wrote, 'Miss seeing you sitting on the sofa with the boys. Stay safe and well x', with another adding, 'Miss your gentle humour, warmth and wisdom ! Sending love . Stay safe'. (sic)
A third then 'Hurry up and get back on the Siddiqui sofa, Sid. The boys are doing a great job but we need the dream team back together again!'.
Another added, 'You’re very much missed on Friday nights Sid, but your boys are keeping us entertained in your absence. It’s much more important that you stay safe & well at this time. We will look forward to seeing you back on the next series. Take good care of yourself my friend xx'. (sic)
Meet all of the current Gogglebox cast:
Ellie and Izzi Warner
Sisters Ellie and Izzi Warner from Leeds have also become fan favourites after first joining the show in 2015.
Izzi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Bessie Rose in early 2020, whilst Ellie recently announced she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend Nat.
In early 2022, Izzi also introduced fans to her brand new puppy called Cookie.
Ellie and Izzi took a break from Gogglebox during season 19, following Ellie's boyfriend Nat being left 'fighting for his life' after he was hit by a car during a night out in Leeds in March. Ellie later revealed on 13th May that her and sister Izzi would be returning to our screens that night, thanking fans for their well wishes.
Ellie and Izzi returned for series 23.
Pete and Sophie
Brother and sister duo Pete and Sophie Sandiford have become one of the most popular castings in Gogglebox history! The funny siblings first joined the cast in 2017.
It seems that comedy runs in the family for these two, with the recent revelation that the pair are related to none other than Paul Chuckle himself!
After getting married to his girlfriend Paige Yeomans, the pair welcomed their first child into the world in 2021, with little Jimmy already making an appearance on Gogglebox. In December 2022, Pete then confirmed Paige is pregnant with the couple's second child.
During series 21, Pete confirmed the birth of his second child, and the pair returned for series 23.
Jenny and Lee
Best friends Jenny and Lee are also back, they first joined the show on series 4 back in 2014! The pair have us in fits of giggles with their banter both on and off the show.
Jenny and Lee, who film the show from Lee's caravan in Hull, have been best friends for over 20 years and often delight fans by sharing throwback photos of each other.
In series 19, Jenny and Lee took a break from the show after Jenny underwent surgery for a minor illness. However, the pair were back for series 20 and have appeared on the show since.
The Malone family
The Malone family, made up of Tom, Julie, Tom Jnr and Shaun, are one of the most popular families with fans. They first joined the cast in 2014.
In February 2021, just one day before series 17, Tom Jr announced he'd quit the show.
In March 2021, Tom and Julie's daughter Vanessa joined the show! During series 20, the Malone family also introduced their brand new puppy. In October 2023, the family revealed the sad news that their beloved dog Dave had sadly passed away.
Abbie and Georgia
Durham girls Abbie and Georgia first joined the show back in 2018.
In 2022, just one month before series 19 hit our screens, Georgia announced she was expecting her first baby. After giving birth to a baby boy in July, baby Hugh James Newby appeared in series 20.
Dave and Shirley
Welsh couple Dave and Shirley, who have been married for over 40 years, first joined the show back in 2015.
The Siddiqui family
The Siddiqui family, made up of Umar, Baasit and their dad Sid, have become Gogglebox legends since joining the show back in series 1.
Brother Raza also occasionally makes an appearance on the show, but due to working away, he can't always commit to filming.
Giles and Mary
Gogglebox fans fell in love with Giles and his wife Mary when they joined the cast in 2015, mainly due to Giles' hilarious stories... Much to Mary's annoyance.
The Worthingtons
The Worthingtons, made up of Alison, her husband George and her daughter Helena, joined the cast in series 10. In 2019, Helena welcomed a baby boy called Edwin, and he's already made his debut.
Amira and Iqra
Amira and Iqra first joined the show back in 2017 with their other friend Amani, but now it's just the two of them leaving viewers in stitches with their comments.
Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan
Tremaine, Twaine and Tristan, brothers from Bristol, joined back in 2016, quickly becoming a big hit with viewers.
Simon and Jane
Joining the cast for series 18, Simon and his sister Jane appeared on the box for the first time on 22nd October 2021!
They were also back for series 20, 21 and 22, with the pair expected to return for series 23.
Ronnie and Annie
Joining the cast in November 2021 was Ronnie and his wife Annie!
Roisin and Joe
Unveiled as brand new cast members on Friday 25th February 2022, young couple Roisin and Joe are the first Scottish people to appear on the show since 2016!
Danielle and Daniella
Best friends Danielle and Daniella from Leeds joined the show during series 20 in 2022.
Elaine and Seb
Mother and son duo Elaine and Seb made their debut on the show during the opening episode of series 22 in September 2023. The pair are from Forest of Dean.
Teresa ad Anita
Married couple Teresa and Anita from Solihull joined the show for series 23.
After being absent for a show before the lockdown started here in the UK, fans were quick to ask Sid why he was missing from the episode in March.
He told them at the time, 'Hi, good morning everyone thank you so much for so many well wishes. Apologies for not tweeting I have been a bit under the weather but I’m absolutely fine now and hopefully be with you soon on #Gogglebox Please take care and be safe.' (sic)
Goglebox continues every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.