Gogglebox makes for perfect viewing on these cold winter nights.
Channel 4’s hit reality show centres around a number of families and friends across the UK watching and commenting on the week’s top telly.
It’s a simple format, but the show’s popularity continues to grow 18 series on – despite accusations Gogglebox staff have worked in ‘toxic’ conditions.
And if you’ve ever wondered how much the stars get paid or how many hours of TV they have to watch, then you’ve come to the right place as Metro.co.uk delves into all your pressing Gogglebox questions.
So, how does Gogglebox work?
How much do the Gogglebox families get paid?
Getting paid to watch TV would be the dream job for most and it seems Gogglebox stars are making that dream a reality.
According to The Sun, each household is paid the same monthly allowance of £1,500.
Regardless of whether they’re a family of four or two friends, they all receive the same fee and it is then up to the contributors to split the fee at their own discretion.
How much TV do the Gogglebox families have to watch?
Binge watching a Netflix series isn’t too difficult for most of us these days, but watching a David Attenborough documentary followed by tense BBC thriller would certainly test the attention spans of many.
Those starring in the show have to watch on average 12 hours of telly a week in total – which is divided into two six-hour stints.
To keep them well fed, show producers also give them a takeaway allowance, which explains why we often see the families tucking into their dinner on the show.
How long does Gogglebox filming take?
Filming for the week’s show starts on a Friday and is filmed throughout the week with the first four days spent assessing and cutting material.
Once they’ve established the footage they need, the show’s creators begin piecing the episode together just three days before the show airs, working through Tuesday afternoon, all day Wednesday, and throughout Wednesday night.
The show’s narrator, Craig Cash, then does the voiceover on Thursday before the show airs the following night.
While it may appear there is a camera crew in the living room with the contributors, this is not the case.
The filming crew set up cameras in the living room positioned to film those sat on the sofa and then disappear out the room to control the setup in another room.
How do you apply to be on Gogglebox?
Unfortunately you’ll have to put aside your dreams of being paid to watch TV, as you currently cannot apply.
A Channel 4 spokesperson recently told The Sun: ‘We are not currently casting and there is no way to apply to be on Gogglebox.’
Unlike other TV shows you can apply to go on, a production team for Gogglebox scouts potential cast members out and about in public locations.
Who are the longest-serving Gogglebox castmembers?
Only two families have appeared in all 17 series of the show.
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They are Stephen Webb (who originally appeared alongside Chris Butland-Steed) and the Siddiquis.
Gogglebox returns tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.
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