Yahoo News Gogglebox stars Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig quit show
Gogglebox stars Stephen Webb and husband Daniel Lustig have quit the hit Channel 4 show.
Stephen, who has appeared on Gogglebox since the first series, confirmed the couple's decision to step down in a heartfelt Instagram post.
"We feel the time is right to move on and explore other opportunities," read the statement. "We would both like to thank Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for letting us be part of this amazing, funny and heartwarming show.
Related: Gogglebox star Stephen Webb explains his and husband Daniel Lustig's absence from the show
"We are extremely thankful to the cast and crew, or Gogglebox family as we call them, and of course the fans, thank you for all of your love & support over the years."
The reality TV star called his time on the show an "incredible 10 years" in the post's caption.
Stephen also shared a video of him and Daniel in the same Instagram post, addressing his followers.
"So we thought we would put out this little video especially for the fans of the show," says Stephen in the clip. "Just to say thank you for all your love and support over the years, it really has meant a lot.
"If you do get withdrawal symptoms, we are always available on Netflix," joked Stephen, adding: "Come to the salon, come and get your hair cut."
"It's been an absolute ride and absolute pleasure," he signed off, also reminding fans to tune into the next episode of the current series this Friday (September 8).
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Fellow Gogglebox star Izzi Warner was quick to react to news of their exit, commenting "Gonna miss you both," with crying face emojis on the Instagram post.
Co-stars Simon and Jane Minty also shared a message on Stephen's post. "So sorry to hear this, Jane and I will miss you," they wrote. "Watching how you did it was super helpful to us newbies.
"And I will miss your quips about my hair! 😂😍 Best of luck with whatever you do next. Thank you for all the joy and laughter. X"
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Studio Lambert and Channel 4 released a statement in wake of the pair's departure.
"After a brilliant and illustrious time on Gogglebox, Stephen and Daniel have decided that now is the right time to explore life beyond the sofa and leave the show," the statement read.
"As one of the original Goggleboxers, Stephen has entertained the nation with his hilarious quips since the show first started in 2013, sharing his opinions on the best and biggest TV events of the last ten years.
"We would like to thank him and Daniel for being utterly brilliant contributors to the show, and we wish them well with their future projects."
Stephen originally appeared on the show with ex-boyfriend Chris Ashby-Steed, but Chris left the show in 2018 following the couple's split.
Stephen's mum Pat then joined her son on the sofa until current husband Daniel Lustig-Webb was made a permanent cast member.
Stephen and Daniel tied the knot in July 2018 in a romantic ceremony held at Chateau de Lisse in Lot-et-Garonne, France.
Stephen popped the question two years prior, getting down on one knee to Daniel in front of India's Taj Mahal.
Gogglebox airs on Friday nights at 9pm on Channel 4 and streams on All4.
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