Bosses explain why Mary and Marina have been absent from Gogglebox
They were missing from series 15
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
Channel 4 show Gogglebox certainly kept us going every Friday night through lockdown! And whilst series 15 came to an end on Friday 22nd May, it didn't take long for bosses to announce a brand new Celebrity Gogglebox series.
Fans of cast members Mary and Marina expressed their concern for the ladies throughout the series, as the pensioners, who are both in their 90s, were absent from the show throughout. Although show bosses explained their previous absence, it was later sadly announced, on 23rd August 2021, that Mary Cooper had passed away at the age of 92.
Gogglebox boss Tania Alexander previously explained to fans that due to the Coronavirus pandemic they were unable to include the whole cast for series 15.
Speaking to The Telegraph about Mary and Mariana's absence from the show, Tania 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."
Much to the delight of Gogglebox fans, Mary and Marina returned to the show back in May for the last series.
The sad news of Mary's passing was later announced on 23rd August, with Gogglebox bosses writing on Twitter: 'We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side. She will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.'
Our thoughts are with Mary's friends and family at this sad time.
Check out the Gogglebox cast below:
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.
Although the original series of Gogglebox is now over until September, series two of Celebrity Gogglebox hit our screens in June, much to all of our enjoyment.
As well as the likes of Joe Swash, Stacey Solomon and Denise van Outen making a return, Love Island's Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling joined the line-up, as well as Harry Redknapp and is beloved wife Sandra.
Check out the full Celebrity Gogglebox line-up right here.
Of course, just like series 15, Celebrity Gogglebox followed all social distancing rules whilst filming, with the cast using single mounted cameras instead of a film crew.