Glasgow-based Gogglebox favourite Calum Barclay has confirmed his departure from the Channel 4 programme after relocating to Australia with his partner.
The 31-year-old, who first appeared on the hit series in September 2025 alongside his best mate Jake, 27, spent just one year on the show before making the move Down Under.
Calum described his exit as “very bittersweet,” acknowledging that the decision to leave was an inevitable consequence of his emigration.
The pair originally joined during the launch of series 26, quickly becoming part of the programme’s established lineup alongside long-running duos such as Giles and Mary, Sophie and Pete, and Dave and Shirley.
Calum described his Gogglebox exit as ‘very bittersweet’
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CHANNEL 4
His replacement has already been confirmed, with 28-year-old Louis set to take his place on the sofa tonight.
In a statement, Calum reflected warmly on his time with the programme: “I had the most wonderful time, and I can’t sing the praises enough of everyone on and off camera, the entire Gogglebox family, so it’s very bittersweet to be leaving.”
He was keen to stress that distance had not affected his bond with his co-star, adding: “The other important thing to mention is that Jake and I are still wonderful pals, and we’ve asked our friend Louis to keep Jake company on the sofa, as he gets a bit lonely sometimes.”
Offering reassurance to viewers about the new pairing, Calum said: “You’re in very good hands with the two of them.”
Calum announced he has left the show after moving to Australia
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INSTAGRAM – CALUM BARCLAY
He signed off by noting that he would now be tuning in from his sofa in Australia alongside the rest of the audience.
Louis, a fellow Glaswegian who has known Jake since they were children, expressed enthusiasm about stepping into the role.
“Gogglebox has always been a bit of a comfort show for me, so when the opportunity came up to join one of my best mates on the sofa, I thought why not!” he said.
“I’m most looking forward to sitting down together, having a laugh and doing what we do anyway!”
Jake also shared the news on his Instagram
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INSTAGRAM – JAKE MEAKINS
When asked about his dream viewing companion, Louis opted for Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt, citing his love of cookery programmes.
He did concede, however, that reality television is not really his cup of tea, largely because his girlfriend is “obsessed with them.”
As for his go-to sofa snack, Louis revealed a preference for sweet and salty popcorn mixed with cold chocolate buttons or Minstrels.
The 28th series of Gogglebox kicked off on Channel 4 last Friday, with Louis becoming the latest in a wave of fresh faces to join the programme’s roster.
The opening episode on 3 September introduced Newcastle siblings Steve and Mark, as well as mother-and-son pair Sandy and Max, all of whom received a warm reception from the audience.
Sandy and Max proved particularly popular, with one viewer writing on X that they had “smiled from ear to ear” watching the duo. Another declared they “absolutely L-O-V-E” the new pairing.
Louis will make his first appearance alongside Jake tonight at 9pm on Channel 4, with the hour-long episode running until 10pm. Gogglebox is also available to stream on Channel 4.
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