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Gogglebox UK is welcoming its first cast member with Down’s syndrome as two families join the hit programme on Friday.
The additions include football-obsessed brothers Steve and Mark, as well as Sandy and her TV fanatic son Max, who is the first person with Down’s syndrome to feature on the show.
The long-running Channel 4 series is narrated by The Royle Family star Craig Cash, and films ordinary families, couples and friends in their homes as they react to the past week of TV shows.
Sandy, 62, said it will be “total magic” to appear on the show alongside her son as she discussed how “important” it is to provide a positive representation of his disability.
“To have people see the superstar, who is my son, and realise that a person with a learning disability can be smart, opinionated and hilarious is very important for me,” she said.
Max added: “I’m much funnier than my mum, so that’s good.
“I’m all about spreading the love and showing other learning-disabled people what we can achieve.
“And my mum is my greatest supporter.”
The 33-year-old also joked that his opinion is “very important” as he reflected on how he looks forward to “watching TV and letting people know what I think about it”.
The mother-son duo, from north London, also reflected on how their family and friends reacted to their role on Gogglebox.
Sandy said: “They think it’s amazing and bonkers in equal measure.”
“They are all very happy that the world will see what a superstar I am,” Max added.
Fellow newcomer Mark, 46, shared the sentiment that it is “proper surreal” to be joining the hit show, saying “it’ll be such a laugh” to participate alongside his brother.
