Gogglebox has sparked concern among fans as the mother-son duo Elaine and Seb were missing for the second week running, leading to speculation about their departure from the show. The latest instalment of the hit Channel 4 series aired on Friday night, showcasing the usual cast members’ reactions to television highlights, including the BBC’s Gladiators grand final.
However, Elaine and Seb, who joined Gogglebox last year, were notably absent from the recent two episodes. The Forest of Dean pair were last spotted on the March 22 episode.
Their absence coincides with the introduction of new cast members Teresa and Anita, a married couple who made their Gogglebox debut in the previous week’s episode and returned again this time.
Social media users on the platform formerly known as Twitter have been airing their concerns and theories regarding Elaine and Seb’s disappearance.
Some fans fear the pair have been replaced, while other suggested they might simply be on holiday. One concerned viewer tweeted: “Have Seb and Elaine been quietly replaced?” While another person simply replied: “Perhaps they’re on holiday??”
Speculation is rife among Gogglebox fans as Elaine and Seb’s absence continues to puzzle viewers, with one person tweeting: “Ok Elaine and Seb have definitely been replaced by Teresa and Anita.
“2 Weeks on the trot they haven’t been on. What is going on? Have they actually left the show?” (sic)
This prompted a response from another fan who said: “I loved Elaine. Please be wrong.”
The mystery deepened after Friday’s episode of the hit series, with another viewer noting: “Unless I blinked and missed them, Elaine and Seb weren’t on for the 2nd week running!”
Elaine and Seb initially received a warm welcome from Gogglebox audiences, with one viewer commenting: “[They] are growing on me.”
In other Gogglebox news, the Malone family’s return was met with jubilation last month after their noticeable absence. Fans were querying: “Anyone know what’s happened to the Malones? Never the same without them.”
Another asked: “Where’s the Malones? They weren’t on last week’s episode either.”
It turns out the beloved Malones had taken a sunny holiday to Florida, which explained their brief hiatus from the show. Their return to Gogglebox was greeted with fanfare, as viewers expressed their delight at having the family back on their screens.
Gogglebox returns next Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.