'It's the best job'

In an exclusive interview, siblings Sophie and Pete Sandiford talk TV favourites, superstar fans and co-star baby Jimmy

- REBECCA FLETCHER

GOGGLEBOX

FRIDAY / C4 / 9PM / EP 3 of 15 / REALITY

Life as an armchair critic on Gogglebox can be tough. One minute you’re being tweeted by international pop stars like Mariah Carey, the next people just want to say ‘Hi’ to your dog!

‘Honestly, we’re not famous. I wish I was!’ says Pete Sandiford, whose banter with his sister, Sophie, always has us chuckling during the ever-popular C4 series.

‘I took my dog, Colin, for a walk on the beach the other day and a stranger who’d obviously seen him on telly, came up and went, “Hiya, Colin,” and completely blanked me!’

While a cute corgi may take some trumping, the Blackpool siblings aren’t short of fans. Their candid comments on the week’s biggest TV shows have made them one of Gogglebox’s favourite families. Often taking the mickey out of each other, they also share real heart-warming moments, with their close relationship proving a hit with viewers.

‘Honestly, it’s the best job, hanging out together,’ says florist Sophie, 26, who, here, with kitchen-fitter Pete, 28, chats to TV Times about all things telly, the magic of the show and that impressive mug collection…

Gogglebox returned for a 19th series a couple of weeks ago. What’s the secret of its success?

PETE I think it’s because everyone on it is just normal.

SOPHIE We’re all different ages and from different walks of life and different parts of the country, so we’re pretty representative of what everyone’s thinking.