'Gogglebox' bosses are looking for a Scottish family to appear on the show after complaints about a "lack of representation" on the show.
The Malones, a family on 'Gogglebox'
Channel 4 have agreed to hunt for a family based north of Hadrian's Wall after receiving criticism from both lawmakers and viewers about the series - notable critics include Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who pointed out the programme hadn't had a Scottish family on since 2016.
At an evidence gathering hearing in the UK Parliament, Alex Mahon, Channel 4's chief executive, acknowledged the problem, saying: “We do get complaints about the lack of representation on ‘Gogglebox’ which is one of our biggest show."
He admitted it was a "continued pressure" after the issue was raised by Ross.
Alex later wrote to MPs at Westminster, confirming money had been allocated to cast a Scottish family to appear on the BAFTA-winning programme, which attracts millions of viewers an episode, and the programme hopes to have them in place by 2022, alongside already existing fan favourites.
The decision was welcomed by Pete Wishart, an SNP MP and chairman of the House of Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee.
He said: “We are bursting at the seams with talent in Scotland and I am pleased to hear Channel 4’s efforts to harness this potential.
“A theme that came up in our evidence session was the lack of a Scottish family on ‘Gogglebox’.
“It is clear some have approached the channel with similar concern, offering themselves as an option. I am therefore pleased to see a dedicated team tasked with this and look forward to seeing the successful family on our screens in the new series.
“Channel 4 has impressive credentials for supporting independent producers and offering opportunities for young people wishing to explore the sector.”
The show has gone to launch the career of 'I Am a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' winner Scarlett Moffatt, 31, among others.
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