Gogglebox UK welcomes first cast member with Down’s syndrome

Gogglebox UK is welcoming its first cast member with Down’s syndrome as two families join the hit programme on Friday.

The additions include football-obsessed brothers Steve and Mark, as well as Sandy and her TV fanatic son Max, who is the first person with Down’s syndrome to feature on the show.

The long-running Channel 4 series is narrated by The Royle Family star Craig Cash, and films ordinary families, couples and friends in their homes as they react to the past week of TV shows.

Sandy, 62, said it will be “total magic” to appear on the show alongside her son as she discussed how “important” it is to provide a positive representation of his disability.

“To have people see the superstar, who is my son, and realise that a person with a learning disability can be smart, opinionated and hilarious is very important for me,” she said.

“My greatest joy is being his mum.”

Max added: “I’m much funnier than my mum, so that’s good.

“I’m all about spreading the love and showing other learning-disabled people what we can achieve.

“And my mum is my greatest supporter.”

Brothers Steve and Mark from Newcastle are among the new additions to Gogglebox (Studio Lambert/Channel 4)

The 33-year-old also joked that his opinion is “very important” as he reflected on how he looks forward to “watching TV and letting people know what I think about it”.

The mother-son duo, from north London, also reflected on how their family and friends reacted to their role on Gogglebox.

Sandy said: “They think it’s amazing and bonkers in equal measure.”

“They are all very happy that the world will see what a superstar I am,” Max added.

Fellow newcomer Mark, 46, shared the sentiment that it is “proper surreal” to be joining the hit show, saying “it’ll be such a laugh” to participate alongside his brother.

“He’s super funny and it’s a great excuse to hang out,” he said.

The brothers, from Newcastle, both joked that they were warned “not to swear too much” when they told their families about their new roles.

Mark said: “Everyone’s absolutely stoked. When I told our mam that we might be doing the show, the first thing she said was ‘please don’t swear’.

“I told her I can’t make that promise.”

“I’ve not told my friends yet. I think waiting for them to read or see me on the TV will be a better surprise,” Steve added.

The 44-year-old also said he looks forward to spending time with his brother outside the “usual stress” of watching Newcastle United together.

Gogglebox premiered in 2013 and has had major success, winning many accolades including National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and Baftas.

It has spawned spin-offs including Gogglesprogs – a children’s version – and Celebrity Gogglebox featuring the likes of Ed Sheeran, Rylan Clark and Nigel Havers.

The new additions will make their debut on series 28 of Gogglebox, which will air on Channel 4 on Friday at 9pm.