'Gogglebox' to air despite Queen's death to bring 'valuable sense of continuity'

Gogglebox will go ahead on Friday night despite the death of the Queen as Channel 4 believes it will bring a “valuable sense of continuity” for viewers.

The monarch passed away on Thursday (8 September) at the age of 96.

TV viewing schedules have been altered following her passing, with some programmes being cancelled and special tributes airing. Coronation Street and Emmerdale were among the soaps affected and on Friday (9 September) ITV dropped daytime shows This Morning, Loose Women and Lorraine to make way for news programmes.

Read more: Jeremy Clarkson praises Boris Johnson's 'beautiful words' for Queen

However, Gogglebox was due to return for a new series on Friday night and Channel 4 has now confirmed it will air.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said in a statement: “Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this.

“Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers.”

Comedy chat show The Last Leg was due to follow on from Gogglebox on Channel 4.

However, the show’s presenter Adam Hills tweeted that they'd decided against it.

“We’ve decided not to do an episode of @thelastleg tonight," Hills posted.

“It just doesn’t feel right. We’ll pay tribute to Her Majesty next week but for now our thoughts are with her family, and all those affected by the news. We hope you understand.”

Gogglebox viewers have said they are thrilled it will be back as planned.

“Don’t worry everybody GOGGLEBOX IS STILL ON TONIGHT!!!” one person tweeted.

“I’m so happy Gogglebox is on tonight,” said another.

Read more: Harry Styles leads New York concert audience in applause for the Queen

One fan chimed in: “Can always count on Gogglebox my bff x.”

Gogglebox returns at 9pm tonight (Friday) on Channel 4.

Additional reporting from PA.

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