The autumn television season is in full swing in the UK, with Channel 4’s flagship reality shows making headlines for both their successes and their controversies. As new episodes of Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off hit screens, fans and critics are weighing in on major cast changes, record-breaking viewership, and the evolving face of British TV.
On September 5, 2025, Gogglebox launched its 26th series, continuing its tradition of capturing the unfiltered reactions of everyday Britons as they watch the week’s biggest television moments. But for many loyal viewers, the excitement of a new season was tinged with disappointment. The beloved Glasgow-based couple, Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle, announced over the summer that they would not be returning. Their absence, as reported by Glasgow Live, has left a hole in the hearts of fans who had grown fond of their warmth and wit. Roisin and Joe made history when they joined in February 2022 as the first Scottish cast members in six years, quickly becoming fan favourites.
Social media, predictably, erupted with pleas for their comeback. One fan posted a heartfelt message: “Please, gogglebox, bring these two legends back.” Another lamented, “I miss these two.” The disappointment was palpable, with some viewers questioning the new direction of the show: “So we lost Roisin and Joe for these new pairings because?” Criticism wasn’t reserved only for the absence of familiar faces. Some fans described the new additions as “cringe” and “contrived,” with one stating, “There is a lot of desperate overacting from the new peeps, making it less authentic. If it wasn’t broken, why ‘fix’ it?”
Of course, change is inevitable in long-running reality TV, and Gogglebox is no exception. Series 26 introduced five new groups: friends Jake (27) and Calum (31) from Glasgow, the Gordon family from Surrey (Andre, Sarah, and their daughter Chee), married couple Andrew (62) and Alfie (32) from the Cotswolds, mother and daughter-in-law Sara (87) and Lara (58) from Yorkshire, and sisters Rosie (68) and Susie (70) from Edinburgh. These newcomers joined established pairs like Jenny and Lee, The Siddiquis, The Malones, Giles and Mary, Ellie and Izzi, David and Shirley, the Plummers, Amira and Amani, and the Worthingtons.
Despite the fresh faces, the show’s loyal audience remains vocal about their preferences. Calls for the return of other classic duos, such as Steph and Dom and Mica and Marcus, have echoed across social platforms. Still, Gogglebox continues to draw viewers every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4 and All 4, proving the enduring appeal of its simple, relatable concept—even as it navigates the tricky waters of cast turnover.
Meanwhile, another Channel 4 staple, The Great British Bake Off, is enjoying a banner year—at least by some measures. The 2025 series, which premiered on September 2, got off to a modest start in terms of overnight ratings. According to The Mirror, just 3.2 million viewers tuned in live, the lowest launch figure in more than a decade and down 400,000 from last year’s opener. But the story didn’t end there. Within a week, the total audience swelled to 5.8 million as viewers flocked to catch up online, making it Channel 4’s most streamed episode of the year.
The surge in digital viewership is especially notable among younger audiences. The launch episode drew the highest volume of 16-34 year-olds across all commercial channels in 2025—a significant achievement in an era when traditional TV struggles to hold the attention of younger generations. A Channel 4 spokeswoman told The Mirror: “The first episode of the new series of The Great British Bake Off achieved the biggest ever streaming views on our own platforms for a launch episode. The linear performance, which won the slot for all individuals across all channels, had an audience of 3.2million and the highest overnight share of young viewers in the series’ history.”
The new series is hosted by the ever-charming Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, with the judging panel led by Paul Hollywood. Hollywood, never one to mince words, was effusive in his praise for this year’s contestants. “I think this is an exceptional year,” he declared. “I think the standard of the baking has been phenomenal. I was really shocked – it was unbelievable. Proper borderline-professional from the off.”
The first episode saw Ukrainian national Natalia crowned Star Baker. Natalia, who moved to the UK before the Russian invasion of her homeland, wowed the judges with a showstopper cake inspired by her war-torn country, infusing traditional family recipes with Ukrainian flavours. Her emotional performance and culinary skill resonated with viewers and judges alike, adding a poignant layer to the competition. As reported by The Mirror, the first contestant to leave was Hassan, whose Swiss roll collapse sealed his fate. The second episode brought laughs (and a bit of embarrassment) when Leighton’s scroll biscuit drew attention for its accidental resemblance to a rude body part.
For Channel 4, the contrasting fortunes of these two juggernauts offer a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing broadcasters in 2025. Gogglebox must balance the need for fresh perspectives with the audience’s deep attachment to familiar personalities. The backlash against new cast members—described by some as “dreadful” and “irritating”—highlights just how tricky that balancing act can be. At the same time, the outpouring of nostalgia for Roisin and Joe, as well as other departed favourites, underscores the emotional investment viewers have in the show’s unique cast of characters.
The Great British Bake Off, on the other hand, demonstrates the power of cross-platform engagement and the enduring appeal of comfort television. While overnight ratings may have dipped, the show’s ability to pull in a massive digital audience—especially among younger viewers—signals a shift in how success is measured in the streaming era. The combination of heartwarming stories, high-level baking, and a dash of British eccentricity continues to strike a chord, even as the way people watch evolves.
Both shows, in their own ways, reflect the changing landscape of British television. Gogglebox remains a barometer of national taste, chronicling not just what’s on TV, but how people feel about it. The Great British Bake Off proves that, even in a fragmented media environment, a well-loved format can still unite millions—whether they’re watching live or catching up days later.
As the autumn schedules roll on, one thing’s for certain: British viewers aren’t shy about letting their voices be heard, whether they’re championing new stars or campaigning for the return of old favourites. And for Channel 4, that passionate engagement is the secret ingredient that keeps its biggest hits rising to the top.
