‘Gogglebox’ star Nikki Tapper has insisted nobody is irreplaceable on the hit show, after a number of high profile characters quit the series.
In recent months, viewers have said goodbye to the likes of Steph and Dom Parker, best friends Sandi Bogle and Sandra Martin, and the Moffatt family who all helped the show become a massive success for Channel 4.
Open Image Modal
Nikki Tapper appears on 'Gogglebox' with husband Jonathan and kids Amy and Josh
Channel 4
But Nikki has urged viewers to give newer cast members a chance, telling HuffPost UK: “I think there’s always room for new people. I don’t think anybody’s irreplaceable.
“Like Lee and Jenny - I think they’re absolutely amazing and they’ve only been doing it for about four series.”
Nikki, who appears on ‘Googlebox’ with her husband Jonathan and their kids Amy and Josh, also said she doesn’t see any of her family ditching the show to appear on other reality TV shows like Scarlett Moffatt did, when she took part on ‘I’m A Celebrity’ last year.
“I can see why Scarlett did it, she’s a young girl in her mid twenties and she probably sees it as a whole career ahead of her,” she explained.
Open Image Modal
Scarlett Moffatt has gone on to have huge success after leaving 'Gogglebox' to appear on 'I'm A Celebrity'
PA Wire/PA Images
“But for us on ‘Gogglebox’, I think it’s about us as a family. It’s not about individuals. It’s all about the chemistry between us as a family.
“My kids have grown up on the telly. They were 12 and 14 or 15 when we first started and my son’s now 20.”
Nikki also confirmed various reports that none of the ‘Gogglebox’ cast meet up or really know each other.
“We don’t meet up - none of us meet up,” she said. “We met Chris and Steve for the first time this year at the NTAs which was great fun.”
Open Image Modal
The Tappers at this January's NTAs
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Recalling the story, she continued: “We were on the red carpet and Scarlett ran down going ‘AHHHHHHHHH!!! TAPPERS!’ Then Chris and Steve all of a sudden saw us with Scarlett and we literally huddled together. It was really quite sweet.
“We feel like we know each other and we feel like we’re family, but we’re not at all. We don’t even know them.”
She added: “I like everyone, but I think I’ve got a special thing for Chris and Steve, and I really like the Siddiquis. But also because they’re kind of like our original buddies.
“And Leon and June! I love Lee and Jenny. I love everybody!”
Open Image Modal
Nikki is taking part in Stand Up To Cancer’s Great Canoe Challenge
Stand Up To Cancer
Nikki is taking part in Stand Up To Cancer’s Great Canoe Challenge from Monday 25 September – Friday 29 September.
For more information visit: standuptocancer.org.uk/canoe, to support the Paddlers and donate £5 or £10 text CANOE5 orCANOE10 to 70404*, or donate online at standuptocancer.org.uk/canoe
Life According To The Stars Of 'Gogglebox'
Gogglebox(01 of16)
Open Image Modal
"It infuriates me. I don't even understand politics but I understand that's a shit idea." Scarlett Moffatt shares her views on Labour's election plans. (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(02 of16)
Open Image Modal
“How many people do you think have re-enacted this on the cross-channel ferry from Dover to Calais?”Stephen Webb has a question about 'Titanic' (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(03 of16)
Open Image Modal
"I've got a friend from Uranium."Linda Gilbey on Ukraine (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(04 of16)
Open Image Modal
“She looks like a cross between Madonna, Cher and Bo Selecta.”Stephen's take on Courtney Love's appearance on 'Alan Carr's Chatty Man' (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(05 of16)
Open Image Modal
"He upset Cheryl. So I didn’t like him after that.”Leon's also not a fan of Ashely Cole (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(06 of16)
Open Image Modal
"If you've got bulbous things hanging off the side of your cock, you don't want to tell the world about it. You wouldn't want to even tell your mother. You certainly don't discuss it on national TV, getting your nob out!"You won't see Dom on 'Embarrassing Bodies' any time soon (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(07 of16)
Open Image Modal
"He lives in America. They can send ships to Mars and they can change the weather but they can't help a man like that. It's ridiculous."Carolyne's thoughts on the man with the 10 stone testicle (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(08 of16)
Open Image Modal
“My third and my fourth I said, 'No way, I ain't pushing nothing.’”Sandra on childbirth (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(09 of16)
Open Image Modal
“We may only live until we’re 67. But we have fun, and alcohol, and we don’t give a shit.”Scarlett is a proud Northerner (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(10 of16)
Open Image Modal
"Sex is like air really. It’s only important when you’re not getting any.”Oh, Dom... (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(11 of16)
Open Image Modal
"They haven't got an original idea between them."Leon's not a fan of Ant And Dec (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(12 of16)
Open Image Modal
“This is the only interesting thing I’ve ever heard about him. This is Gary’s idea of being a rebel.”Scarlett Moffatt on Gary Barlow's tax issues (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(13 of16)
Open Image Modal
"Must remember that when I next go to the Co-op."Steph on *that* 'Full Monty' queue scene (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(14 of16)
Open Image Modal
"It's like, when the camera is on you, 'look as if a family member has died.'"Baasit thinks the 'Mastermind' contestants need to cheer up (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(15 of16)
Open Image Modal
"So Comic Relief is for Africa, and Sports Relief is for the sports people?”Sandra's got this charity lark figured out (credit:Channel 4)
Gogglebox(16 of16)
Open Image Modal
"Who gets up in the middle of the night and make pots? Most people get up and watch Family Guy.”Reverend Kate on Ghost (credit:Channel 4)