Couple

A BRITISH grandad has revealed how he was shackled to a wife-and-child killer during his horror months locked up by the Taliban.

Peter Reynolds and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested in February and dragged through ten different jails in Afghanistan, sometimes held in cages and sometimes split apart, with weeks spent in solitary confinement.

7

7

7

7

Peter, who spent his 80th birthday behind bars instead of celebrating with his family in the US, told The Sunday Times: “We felt huge powerlessness.

“We were told we were guests. But when I was taken to court, I had my ankles and hands cuffed together with murderers and rapists.”

At one point, the grandfather found himself shackled to a man who had murdered his own wife and three children.

Peter and Barbie were finally freed this week, flown out on a Qatari aircraft and back to Heathrow on Saturday, where they reunited with their family after months of agony.

The couple’s release came after months of behind-the-scenes mediation led by Qatar, whose diplomats in Kabul arranged medication, doctors and calls with their family.

Footage showed the pair smiling as they finally boarded a flight out of Afghanistan.

They had lived in Afghanistan since 2007, running a community project called Rebuild.

They were among the few foreigners who chose to remain after the Taliban seized back power four years ago, settling in the mountainous Bamiyan region — better known for the giant Buddhas destroyed by the regime in 2001.

The couple, who first married in Kabul in 1970, insisted they had lived peacefully for years without trouble from the authorities.

Barbie described watching her husband struggle into a police truck with his hands and ankles chained as the “worst moment.”

The pair endured months of solitary confinement, a basement cell with no windows, and illness from “oily and salty” prison food.

Meals were scarce and left them sick. Barbie, who suffers from anaemia, grew weaker by the day.

Peter, who has a heart condition, often went without the beta blockers he relies on after a mini-stroke last year.

He is believed to have suffered a silent heart attack while in custody.

At one stage they were transferred to the Taliban’s intelligence HQ and locked in an underground cell, cut off from sunlight and phones.

UN human rights experts later warned their health was deteriorating so rapidly that they were at risk of “irreparable harm or even death.”

The couple insist they had done nothing wrong.

7

7

The Taliban later claimed they had “violated Afghan laws” but gave no details.

And a search of their home and staff turned up nothing.

They were originally detained alongside their American friend Faye Hall, who was freed in March after a court order.

But the Reynoldses remained locked up for another five months with no explanation.

At one point, relatives back in Britain said they were “pretty frustrated” after repeated pleas to Taliban officials went ignored.

Back in Britain, the couple are exhausted but jubilant.

Barbie wants salad and Marmite, while Peter wants baked beans.

But most of all, they want time with the grandchildren they feared they’d never hug again.

“It is a mystery how or why we have been released,” said Peter.

“There’s a lot to process. I’m looking forward to listening to our family’s narrative of all that has unfolded in the last eight months.”

7

UK thanks Qatar for leading negotiations for the release of the pair after their arrest in February.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has released a British couple held for almost eight months on undisclosed charges.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbara, 76, were released from prison on Friday after a court hearing and handed over to the United Kingdom‘s special representative to the country, Richard Lindsay. The move followed negotiations led by Qatar.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on social media that the couple had been arrested in February for “violating” Afghan law, but did not say which legislation had been broken.

UK officials were quick to express relief and to thank the mediating country.

“I welcome the release of Peter and Barbara Reynolds from detention in Afghanistan, and I know this long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar.”

In a statement on Friday afternoon, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the couple had arrived in Qatar’s capital, Doha, and would depart for London later. It also expressed its appreciation for the “fruitful cooperation” between the Afghan and UK officials.

‘Looking forward to return’

United Nations human rights experts had called on the Taliban in July to free the pair, having warned of the “rapid deterioration” of their physical and mental health, and stating that they “risk irreparable harm or even death”.

Images of the couple standing together on Friday with the UK’s special representative to the country, Richard Lindsay, at Kabul airport before their departure to Doha were broadcast on British broadcaster Sky News.

“We’ve been treated very well. We’re looking forward to seeing our children,” said Barbara, adding: “We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can.”

The couple were married in Kabul in 1970 and have spent almost two decades living in Afghanistan’s central province of Bamiyan, running educational programmes. They also became Afghan citizens.

When the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021 they remained in the country against the advice of British officials.

The Reynolds’ family in the UK had made repeated calls for the couple’s release, saying they were being mistreated and held on undisclosed charges.

Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, said in a statement that he was “relieved… their ordeal has come to an end,” noting that the government in London had “worked intensively since their detention and has supported the family throughout”.

The release comes after Washington’s special envoy on hostages, Adam Boehler, made a rare visit on Saturday to Kabul to discuss the possibility of a prisoner exchange.

At least one United States citizen, Mahmood Habibi, is held in Afghanistan.

Dozens of foreign nationals have been arrested since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of the US military.

AN ELDERLY Brit couple wrongfully jailed by the Taliban for eight months have finally been freed.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were snatched by Taliban thugs and tossed into Afghanistan’s most notorious prison.

1

The parents-of-four had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years managing training projects – but were kidnapped on February 1 with no explanation.

They were locked up separately at the maximum security Pul-e-Charkhi in Kabul, and later moved to an underground cell beneath the Taliban‘s intelligence HQ.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

A REAL life Coronation Street couple have shared a slew of snaps from their dreamy getaway to the posh Greek island of Santorini.

Actress Sally Carman and her co-star husband Joe Duttine appear to have had the trip of a lifetime after jetting off to the sought-after location in the Mediterranean.

7

7

7

The Abi Webster actress looked glam as she uploaded a series of snaps from hers and Joe’s loved-up getaway.

Joe, who plays Tim Metcalfe, could be seen beaming alongside his proud wife in one of the couple’s shots from the getaway.

Sally simply captioned the snaps with: “Santorini sun.”

It appeared to be no expense spared as Sally shared a photo of the pool at their resort which overlooked the sea and featured a floating bed in the middle of the water.

In another candid snap, Sally looked the picture of happiness as she sipped on a cocktail through a straw as she enjoying a sunset tipple.

She wore a leopard-print headband in the picture and kept her make-up simple.

In one of the other photos, Sally could be seen laid by the front of a boat wrapped in blankets as it appeared she had taken a tumble.

Their Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon commented on the snaps: “Gorgeous every bit”

Another fan added: “Lovely photo of you Sally. Enjoy yourself.”

As fellow soap actress Sue Devaney added: “Oooooooh I want to hug you in all that there cuteness of yours!!

“Stunning stylish sexy Sal in Santorini! So beautiful xx.”

Sally and Joe began romancing one another after meeting on the set of the ITV soap opera.

They tied the knot in Salford in 2022.

7

7

7

7

A couple who travelled to Universal Studios in Japan were left stunned after arriving at the theme park and seeing the Super Nintendo World, with thousands of others left in awe since watching the clip

A couple were gobsmacked when they rocked up to a theme park that appears to exist in an entirely different “dimension” due to its spectacular, all-encompassing 3D design. Countless theme parks can be found across the globe, providing guests with an enormous selection of attractions ranging from heart-stopping rides to beloved cartoon and gaming characters roaming about for meet-and-greets, live entertainment shows, and much more.

Universal Studios operates five locations worldwide. Its original theme park was the legendary Universal Studios Hollywood, which remains popular today. It was quickly followed by venues in Florida, Japan, Singapore and Beijing.

There’s currently a new theme park in development set to launch right here in the UK, in Bedfordshire. However, it was Universal Studios Japan, situated in Osaka, that recently captured the wonder and amazement of one British couple – along with thousands of social media followers whose mouths fell open when clips of their visit were posted on TikTok.

The venue first opened to visitors on March 31, 2001, becoming the inaugural location to launch beyond the United States.

On its website, it states: “Our theme park appeals to children and adults of all ages, and covers a wide spectrum of entertainment based on blockbuster Hollywood movies, from thrilling rides to shows featuring popular characters.”

It’s also the location of the impressive Super Nintendo World, featuring enormous, full-scale reconstructions of the buildings and various levels made legendary in the beloved Super Mario and Donkey Kong franchises.

Claudia and Liam, a travel-loving couple who share their adventures online as the Cotswold Wanderers, recently embarked on a trip to Universal Studios in Japan. The sight of Super Nintendo World left them speechless.

In a TikTok video, the pair are seen with their mouths wide open in awe, as the camera reveals what they’re looking at: the spectacle of giant, brightly coloured buildings that have become iconic through video games worldwide.

The caption accompanying the clip read: “Just two 20 something year olds that have dreamed of seeing this in real life.”

Their video resonated with thousands of social media users, amassing over 246,000 likes, 42,900 shares, 28,700 saves and more than 1,000 comments.

One gobsmacked viewer commented: “Oh my gosh that’s mad.”

Another said: “Another reason why Japan is a much better place to live than here,” while a third admitted: “I’m 42! Grew up playing Mario, even I’m gobsmacked! Would love to visit one day.”

A fourth user said: “Yeah it’s unbelievable it’s like you have gone into the dimension.”

Others expressed their desire to visit, with one saying: “I will go to Japan just for this” and another agreeing: “I really wanna go.”

One person praised the creativity, saying: “This is so creative!” Another simply stated: “It is a dream.”

And yet another added: “Omg Japan is most definitely on my list now.”

One user shared their personal motivation: “I wanna gooooo! I wanna heal my inner child!!!”

While another succinctly summed up the general sentiment: “Wow!! Need to go.”

Italian media reports that the pair, one of whom is from the UK and one from Romania, were fined £390 each and were ordered by authorities to leave the World Heritage city for 48 hours

A British couple has been kicked out of Venice and fined after they were caught jumping into the Grand Canal, local media has reported.

The 35-year-old man and his 25-year-old Romanian partner, both of whom live in the UK, launched themselves into the famous waterway on the final day of their holiday, it has been reported.

Gondoliers spotted the canal-clad couple and reported them to the police. Italian media reports that the pair were then fined £390 each and were ordered by authorities to leave the World Heritage city for 48 hours.

Security councillor Elisabetta Pesce told Il Gazzettino: “I thank the gondoliers for their cooperation and timely reporting.”

READ MORE: Doctors’ top five tips for eczema sufferers who love to travelREAD MORE: Are Poland holidays safe after Foreign Office issues travel warning

Swimming in Venice’s 150 canals is strictly prohibited, in large part due to the dangers of the gondolas and motorboats that pass through the water. The floating city is crisscrossed by more than 150 canals and 400 bridges. Many of these were inlets that were turned into canals in the 5th century when inhabitants from the mainland first settled there.

While it might be possible to hop into the drink for a quick dip in one of the smaller waterways on the outskirts of the city, launching yourself into the Grand Canal – or Canalasso, as the locals call it – is going to be a little harder.

The central canal runs for 3km, forming a giant ‘S’ from the Santa Lucia train station to St. Mark’s Square and the beautiful church of Santa Maria della Salute. It’s also a major traffic artery lined with more than 170 buildings, including many of Venice’s architectural landmarks.

Swimming is also prohibited to protect people from pollution. Venice doesn’t have sewage pipes or conduits, as installing them would require raising the entire city by half a meter. While many houses are now equipped with septic tanks, most of the wastewater still ends up in the canals. The tides flush it out into the sea twice a day.

The case has sparked anger from supporters of the action group Venice is not Disneyland. Some locals are demanding higher fines for those who break the swimming rules and a permanent ban from the city for transgressors.

This is not the first time that tourists have been caught jumping into Venice’s canals. In 2023, the mayor of Venice tweeted a video of a man jumping from a three-storey building into the water. The public official branded him an “idiot”.

Five years earlier, tourists jumped from the Rialto Bridge late at night, cheered on by their friends. In 2016 a New Zealand man received treatment in hospital when he hit a water taxi after diving off a bridge.

Two German tourists were filmed swimming in the Grand Canal under the iconic Rialto Bridge in 2020, just as the Italian city was taken out of lockdown.

A REAL-LIFE Downton Abbey couple have revealed they’re secretly married – four years after welcoming their first baby.

Laura Carmichael and Michael C. Fox went public in 2016, but began dating two years earlier.

4

4

4

They play Lady Edith Crawley and Andrew Parker respectively in the smash-hit period drama.

In 2021, the co-star couple welcomed their first child, son Luca, into the world.

Michael, 36, has now seemingly confirmed that he and Laura have tied the knot.

Speaking at NBC‘s Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale, he said: “I owe a lot to this show.

“I think so much of my life has been shaped around this show.”

Co-star Lesley Nicol – who plays Mrs Patmore – then asked: “What if someone said you’re actually going to find your wife and have a child? Life-changing stuff.”

To which Michael replied: “I know. It’s incredible.”

The Sun has contacted Michael’s representatives for comment.

Meanwhile, the event marked Downton Abbey‘s conclusion – spanning 15 years worth of a TV series and now three feature films.

In April 2022, The Sun revealed how the couple had welcomed Luca over a year earlier.

A source told the Sun on Sunday: at the time: “Laura and Michael absolutely love being parents and were grateful to have some time away from the limelight to enjoy the moment.

“Laura’s taken motherhood in her stride and it’s added another string to her bow.”

Meanwhile, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale features Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as the Earl and Countess of Grantham, as well as Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley and Jim Carter as Mr Carson.

The beloved original series ran from 2010 to 2015 on ITV and PBS in the US.

Ahead of the third film‘s release, Hugh told how it will pay tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith.

The screen legend played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.

Hugh told The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with The National Lottery on Virgin Radio UK: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life.”

“She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”

4

After 52 episodes and three movies, the world of “Downton Abbey” is coming to a heartwarming conclusion — for now, at least. The series and the previous two films, 2019’s “Downton Abbey” and 2022’s “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” have followed several characters over an 18-year period, both from the upstairs and downstairs of the grand house. While viewers already said goodbye to the imperious Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith), in the last film when she tragically died onscreen surrounded by her family, there are still many more farewells to come. Here is where we left some of the key characters as “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” arrives in theaters Sept. 12.

Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery)

Michelle Dockery in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

Lady Mary wasn’t always in line to take over Downton Abbey, but her ill-fated marriage to Matthew Crawley and the birth of their son George ensured that she could be at the helm of the estate, at least until George came of age. Mary eventually remarried toward the end of the series, to race car driver Henry Talbot, but “The Grand Finale” sees the couple divorced and Mary on the outs from society. Still, she has clever ideas about how to keep Downton Abbey afloat and to push it into the modern age as she finally takes the reins from her father. “From the start, she always had a strong personality,” creator Julian Fellowes told The Times in 2022. “And I think what we’ve watched over the years is how she has come to harness her strength, master it and use it to achieve what she wants.”

Edith Pelham (Laura Carmichael)

Laura Carmichael, right, and Elizabeth McGovern in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

For many years Lady Edith was the passed-over second daughter, but by the end of the series she was firmly ensconced as the formidable Marchioness of Hexham. She and her husband Herbert “Bertie” Pelham are happily raising two children and she has become a voice of reason for Mary, offering counsel to the sister who once overshadowed her. “The Grand Finale” even gives Edith a satisfying moment of fortitude when she stands up for the family. “By the time we leave her, Edith is a strong woman and capable of big decisions,” Fellowes says.

Robert and Cora Crawley (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern)

Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

The Crawley clan’s patriarch and matriarch have gone through a lot since “Downton Abbey” premiered, including the loss of their daughter Sybil and multiple financial challenges. Cora dealt with a health scare in “A New Era” while both grieved the death of Violet, whose presence still looms in “The Grand Finale.” Although he technically left Mary in charge of Downton Abbey at the end of “A New Era,” Robert is struggling to settle into the next chapter of his life. It’s up to Cora, his always-steady companion, to help him move forward.

Tom Branson (Allen Leech)

Allen Leech in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

After heroically saving the day in the first “Downton Abbey” film, the widowed Tom married Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton) in “Downtown Abbey: A New Era,” giving his daughter Sybbie a mother once again. By the end of the second film, Tom and Lucy have a baby of their own and are living away from Downton. The character already got his much-deserved happily ever after and now shows up to dole out sage advice and support for the family. “I felt Tom Branson was the only one we hadn’t really settled in the series,” Leech told me in 2019. Now, he is.

Daisy Mason (Sophie McShera) and Andrew Parker (Michael Fox)

Sophie McShera, second from left, in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features )

Daisy began her journey at Downton Abbey as a belabored kitchen maid, but eventually the estate’s revered cook Mrs. Patmore took her under her wing. She married the dying William Mason during the series and later settled down with Andrew Parker, a footman in the house who has now taken over for Mr. Carson. In the spirit of the younger generation stepping forward, Daisy takes over the kitchen in “The Grand Finale,” an important moment of growth for the character.

Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton)

From left, Penelope Wilton, Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery and Paul Giamatti in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

It took some time for Isobel to establish herself at Downton Abbey, but her friendship with the Dowager Countess and her relationship to the family became invaluable throughout the series. She married Richard Grey after her son Matthew’s death and continued her good work with the community’s hospital throughout the episodes. Following Violet’s passing, Isobel has taken up the mantle to organize the county fair — a job that comes with some challenges.

Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) and John Bates (Brendan Coyle)

Joanne Froggatt in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

Anna Bates has always been one of Downton Abbey’s most loyal servants and a thoughtful friend to Lady Mary. She married valet John Bates at the beginning of Season 3 and the couple went through numerous ups and downs in the years that followed, including several miscarriages. They got a much-deserved happy end in the series finale when Anna gave birth to their first child. The films haven’t shaken their contentment and “The Grand Finale” brings another uplifting arrival for the pair.

Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle)

Kevin Doyle, left, and Michael Fox in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

(Rory Mulvey / Focus Features)

Mr. Molesley endeared audiences with his hapless but well-meaning misadventures in the series, eventually transitioning from footman to local schoolteacher. He got his due in “A New Era” when he proved himself to be a skilled screenwriter and charmed Phyllis Baxter. In “The Grand Finale,” the couple are married and Mr. Molesley is endeavoring to boost his film career, although he hasn’t left his time at Downtown Abbey in the past.

THIS IS the awkward moment Kerry Katona’s toyboy lover met her daughter Heidi for the first time on Celebs Go Dating.

This comes as the couple go official on the long-running Channel 4 reality series.

6

6

6

Over the years, Kerry Katona, has had a turbulent love life, divorcing Brian McFadden in 2004 and Mark Croft in 2011.

She also previously split from fiance Ryan Mahoney in November last year after six years together.

She had five children with three different partners, which includes her 18-year-old daughter Heidi.

On Celebs Go Dating, the teenager went face-to-face with her mum’s new toyboy lover Paolo Margaglione, 33, for the first time as they went public.

Her lover – who is 11-years younger – also faced up to Kerry’s best friend Danielle Brown, sister of Scary Spice, Mel B.

In agonising scenes, the former Atomic Kitten star confessed: “I am absolutely s******* myself only because I really like Paolo.

“I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.”

As Paolo went to give the pair a hug, he only received a tentative embrace from Heidi as Kerry was seen aggressively pointing at her daughter.

He confidently exclaimed: “Nice to see you,” as Heidi gave off a nervous giggle.

“Nice to see you too,” she replied back, but it was Danielle who took charge of the grilling.

“We’ve been friends for like 16 years. Is it? So I’m ride or die, got her back.”

Paolo replied: “Obviously, I really like Kerry. We get on very well. The fact that I’ve met her was like mind blowing.”

This is when Kerry asked her daughter why she was being “so quiet,” who declared that she was ‘nervous’.

It seems Kerry was feeling the exact same way as she admitted: “I’m sorry, I’m sweating so much. Honestly, no. Don’t touch me. I’m really dripping.”

Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast

But Danielle confidently carried on with the questioning as she said: “So, I’m just saying she’s my best, best friend. So I’ve got questions.

“The whole fame thing, because Kerry does get papped a lot when you’re out and stuff like that.

“You need to know what you’re dealing with, really, don’t you?Because for me, as a friend in 16 years, I’ve seen so, like many people, trying to get with Kerry, and they’re on the fame and they’re on the money and they’re on the attention.”

However, Paolo admitted that his intentions are only admirable as he already has daughters and he just wants to settle down.

I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.

Kerry KatonaCelebs Go Dating

He explained: “This sounds really weird, but I already feel like the richest man in the world, I’ve got my daughters.

“So my daughter’s made that and then I’ve met somebody that I really connect with as well.

“So for me, I don’t need anything from anyone. I’ve been fully transparent from the beginning. So yeah, I think that’s really important.”

Paolo added” “I think if we just have the conversations, the awkward ones or whatever, get to know each other straight away, all your cards on the table.

Channel 4’s best competition shows

Channel 4 boasts a number impressive competition shows, but which ones are really the best?

Four in a Bed

• Reality competition show Four in a Bed has been airing on Channel 4 since 2010. It follows four couples as they take turns to stay at each others B&Bs and hotels, rating their stays along the way. The couple with the establishment voted best value for money are the winners.

Come Dine With Me

• Come Dine With Me has been staple British viewing since 2005, providing some outrageous telly moments over the years. Like Four in a Bed, the series moves around to different properties as it follows four contestants as they each host a (supposedly) gourmet dinner party for each other. After each dinner the guests score the host out of 10, will the winner being revealed on the final evening.

The Great British Bake Off

• Another national treasure, The Great British Bake Off welcomes a group of 12 amateur bakers to put their culinary skills to the test with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging their efforts. One contestant is eliminated each week until the final three face off in the last week.

Bake Off: The Professionals

• Bake Off: The Professionals puts a twist on GBBO, pitting two teams of professional pastry chefs against each other in every episode. It’s up to judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden to determine who has what it takes to make it through to the final.

Admiring his remarks, Heidi noted: “He’s very emotionally mature.”

To finish off the interrogation, Danielle asked Paolo what Kerry’s ideal weekend would look like in one final test.

He answered: “Her ideal day off would be to just get cozy, watch some movies and chill.”

Danielle admired his response as she then replied: “You know her well then.”

6

6

6

Celebs Go Dating continues on Channel 4.

When the Channel 4 show returns tomorrow night for series 26 there will be a lot of fresh faces lighting up the screen – but what does it mean for the regulars?

Gogglebox is to be given a major overhaul with five new families joining the regulars for the new series from their sofas – after just one pair were axed.

Earlier this summer, it emerged that Scottish couple Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle were leaving the show after producers decided not to invite them back for the 26th run, which starts on Channel 4 tomorrow.

Now two new Scottish duos are among the incoming groups of telly watchers – pals Jake, 27, and Calum, 31, from Glasgow plus sisters Rosie, 68, and Susie, 70, from Edinburgh.

READ MORE: Stacey Dooley lifts lid on murky world of social media health tips as NHS waiting lists grow

The show is also to get its oldest contributor in the form of 87-year-old Sara from Yorkshire, who will watch the box alongside her daughter-in-law Lara, 58.

The other two families are the Gordons from Surrey, comprising parents Andre, 49, and Sarah, 47, alongside their daughter Chee, 25 plus married couple Andrew, 62, and Alfie, 32, from the Cotswolds.

One insider said the changes were to “inject a bit of freshness” into the long-running show, which remains one of Channel 4’s best-loved titles after 13 years on air.

But the injection of new faces could cause stress for some of the Gogglebox regulars, who may feel they are now in danger of being pushed out in the coming months if the new arrivals prove popular.

The series will showcase the new groupings on screen from tonight at 9pm. Mike Cotton, creative director for production company Studio Lambert, said it was “a delight” to welcome the fresh households into the Gogglebox family, adding: “Along with our much-loved returning cast, we can’t wait to join them in their living rooms and hear their candid thoughts on this weeks most talked about TV.”

They will join regular Goggleboxers pals Jenny and Lee, the Siddiqui family, the Malone family, married couple Giles and Mary, sisters Ellie and Izzi, Welsh married couple David and Shirley, the Plummer brothers, sisters Amira and Amani, the Worthington family, siblings Pete and Sophie, friends Abbie and Georgia, married couple Sue and Steve, siblings Simon and Jane, married couple Ronnie and Annie, pals Danielle and Daniella, married couple Teresa and Anita and parents Michael & Sally, who appear with their teen twins Jake and Harry.

Joe and Roisin took to social media in July to tell fans that they were not returning for the show’s next series. They wrote: “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa Channel 4 have decided it’s time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26. Therefore, we are leaving the Gogglebox family.”

Thanking the producers, they added: “The experience has actually been so mad and we will miss watching TV with you all on Friday nights! It’s been an honour to represent Scotland as some of the first Scottish people on the show and prove we don’t actually need subtitles.”

A spokesperson for Channel 4 said they wished the pair all the best for the future, adding: “We thank Joe and Roisin for their contributions to Gogglebox over the years.”

– Gogglebox, Channel 4, Friday, 9pm

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.