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As Gogglebox celebrates its 10th anniversary, show narrator Craig Cash has been reflecting on his time on the popular Channel 4 show.
Craig has been the regular voice on the show since 2016 following the death of his former Family co-star Royle and girlfriend Carolyn Ahern – who originally narrated the show since its launch in 2013.
In an interview with the Radio Times, Craig said that although it was “bittersweet”, he felt it was “like a gift from Caroline” to go on with the show.
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He told the magazine, “She asked me if I could fill her in because she wasn’t feeling well. When I took weeks off for treatment, I would fill in when and when.”
Then, when she died, they asked me if I would still do it. In a way, it was like a gift from Caroline.
“It was bittersweet at first, because I would walk in and I felt like she was there. We recorded it in the same place and I know it sounds weird, but I could feel a kind of presence.”
The format of the Gogglebox—of ordinary families sitting in front of the TV and discussing what they’re watching—was inspired by the late-’90s sitcom The Royle Family, which was created and written by Caroline and Craig, who played husband and wife, David and Dennis.
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That’s why Caroline was the first choice to provide the voiceover when Gogglebox was first designed.
“I can see why they wanted Caroline in the first place, and then me, because she’s got the same vibe — it’s about families watching TV and people hanging on and being discouraged or excited,” says Craig.
“It’s like they picked up our ball and ran in a whole new direction.”
As for the continued success of Gogglebox, Craig says: “Well, it’s warm and funny and multicultural and has a great mix of ages. It’s a great take on Britain.”
Read the full interview with Craig in this week’s Radio Times, out now. www.radiotimes.com. Gogglebox airs on Channel 4 and All4 on Fridays at 9pm.
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