Stephen Webb and his husband Daniel Lustig have announced their departure from Gogglebox.
The pair, who live in Brighton, had regularly shared the sofa on the hit Channel 4 show where they poked fun at the week’s TV.
In a Thursday Instagram post, Webb wrote: “After careful consideration, Daniel and I have decided we will not be returning for the new series of Gogglebox.
“We feel the time is right to move on and explore other opportunities. We would like to thank Channel 4 and Studio Lambert for letting us be part of this amazing, funny and heartwarming show.
“We are also thankful to the cast and crew, or Gogglebox family as we call them and of course the fans, thank you for all your love & support over the years.”
Stephen had been on Gogglebox since the first series in 2013.
In a statement, production company Studio Lambert said: “After a brilliant and illustrious time on Gogglebox, Stephen and Daniel have decided that now is the right time to explore life beyond the sofa and leave the show.
“As one of the original Goggleboxers, Stephen has entertained the nation with his hilarious quips since the show first started in 2013, sharing his opinions on the best and biggest TV events of the last 10 years.
“We would like to thank him and Daniel for being utterly brilliant contributors to the show, and we wish them well with their future projects.”
He received messages of support from celebrities including Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford and fellow Googlebox stars Jenny Newby, Lee Riley, Izzi Warner, Sophie Sandiford, and Simon and Jane Minty.
Langsford wrote: “Nooooooo!! You must do what’s best for you both but I will miss you SO much… and the dogs!”
Sandiford also wrote: “Best of luck to both of you, you’ll be greatly missed! lots of love.”
Webb previously appeared on the show alongside his former partner Chris Butland-Steed.
Butland-Steed announced his departure in February 2018.
Webb later appeared with his mother, Pat, before Lustig joined the show in 2019.
On Tuesday, Gogglebox took home the Bruce Forsyth entertainment award at the National Television Awards.
It beat The Masked Singer, I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! and Saturday Night Takeaway.
