'Celebrity Gogglebox' star Maureen Lipman hits out at bosses for cutting out her ‘wit'
Actor Maureen Lipman has opened up about her decision to quit Celebrity Gogglebox in 2021, claiming that the show bosses kept cutting out her best gags.
The 75-year-old fast became a fan-favourite during her appearances alongside Gyles Brandeth, 74, on the hit Channel 4 reality show.
Having replaced his former couch partner Dame Sheila Hancock in 2020, the Agony star did not last long due to her issues with decisions made by producers.
The former Coronation Street star explained to the Radio Times: "It is [over] from my point of view. I’m sure they’ll put someone else with Gyles.
"I went in imagining that they wanted me for my wit and my brain. Of course, they just want to show you willies and for you to be shocked."
She continued: "Honestly, we were really funny together, but none of that was used. And if they don't want to use what we gave them, f*** them."
Lipman previously confirmed to the Radio Times it was having to sit through an episode of Naked Attraction that had been the final straw for her.
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"They’re not really interested in our opinions on what they’re giving us,’ she explained at the time. "I’d seen Gogglebox and I thought, 'Oh, [ours] is the grown-up version, is it?' But it’s your reaction to 12 dangling willies they want. They’re searching for ways to make me go: 'Urgh!'."
She added: "I thought: 'Well, actually, no, life is too short to watch a series of hopeless men dangle their bits and pieces in my direction. So I’m going'."
After her latest swipe at the show, it’s unlikely Lipman will ever be heading back to the show.
Celebrity Gogglebox is currently in its third season – with the show recently being rocked by the sudden split of stars Denise Van Outen and her now ex-fiancé Eddie Boxshall.
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