Gogglebox left viewers emotional last night with an unexpected tribute.
The hugely popular Channel 4 reality show returned to screens in its usual Friday night slot for the 27th series.
Our favourite sofa critics offered their verdict on hit TV programmes, including the new season of Bridgerton, the latest boardroom antics from The Apprentice, and Will Smith’s challenge series Pole to Pole.
And as the episode closed out, a message appeared, dedicating it to a late TV producer.
‘In memory of Jonathan Clough’, white text read against a black screen with the dates 1989 to 2025, alongside a smiling photograph of him.
Clough was widely known and loved in the industry, having worked on shows including Gogglebox, Strictly Come Dancing, and MasterChef.
The producer died earlier this year following a grade 4 glioblastoma diagnosis in March 2024. This is a fast-growing, aggressive type of cancerous tumour in the brain, with the average glioblastoma survival time being 12 to 18 months.
He received the diagnosis two months after he returned from an interview for a new TV show and collapsed during a seizure.
Clough was just 35 years old and had big plans for his future, due to embark on a new filming adventure in Alaska.
In July last year, a GoFundMe page was set up for him, issuing a desperate plea for donations to allow him to ‘access private treatments, specialists, and medications’.
He was also looking to explore clinical trials in a bid to ‘give [him] more time’.
Clough’s partner, Tracy, wrote on the site: ‘The NHS’s care and support has been incredible, but we are now left with very few options.
‘Brain cancer receives a fraction of the funding compared with other forms of cancer; one of the reasons research is slow to progress and treatment hasn’t changed in 20 years.
‘We are now in the process of exploring trials that are happening, hoping that we can find one that Jonathan is eligible for and will be accepted onto.’
She added in a devastating personal touch: ‘We are doing everything we can to give Jonathan more time — time to be with our children, time for them to have their Daddy by their side.
‘He’s desperate to see our daughter start school this September, see her first Nativity and just to enjoy watching his children grow.
‘But these treatments are frighteningly expensive.’
Tracy explained how the family had ‘uprooted [their] lives’, moving from London to Wigan, a town in Greater Manchester, to be closer to family for support.
‘We left our jobs and lost our income, focusing entirely on getting Jonathan the care he needs and being together through this.’
She admitted that the cost of appointments and treatment, as well as travel and accommodation, was ‘overwhelming’, and while she and Clough were ‘reluctant’ to ask for public donations, they were left with ‘no other choice’.
‘We know it’s hard for everyone at the moment. Believe us when we say that we’re only asking for this help from anyone in a position to do so. We know that isn’t everyone, and no matter how close you are to us, we will not feel offended if this isn’t the help you can offer.’
Following Clough’s death in January 2026, former Strictly professional Kevin Clifton shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
He wrote alongside a selfie with Clough: ‘An amazing friend, an amazing man , an amazing father and a heck of a fighter for his amazing family. I will miss you forever 💔’
His partner, Stacey Dooley, left a love heart in the comments, while those who knew him declared Clough ‘one of a kind’ and a ‘heck of a man who will be missed so very much’.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
