The star has been a regular on the Channel 4 show since it first started in 2013 but was notably absent in recent episodes.
A Gogglebox star has disclosed why he’s been absent from the screen recently. Raza Siddiqui, a fan favourite on the popular Channel 4 series, had to take a break from filming. He had been a staple on the programme since its inception in 2013. He frequently appeared with his family as they shared their views on the latest programmes alongside the likes of best friends Jenny and Lee, and sisters Izzi and Ellie.
However, he was conspicuously missing in the most recent series, leading fans to wonder about his whereabouts, whilst father Sid and brothers Umar and Bassit continue to provide entertainment. Now, Raza has shared an update from his hospital bed. Posted on the Siddiqui family’s Instagram account, the upload featured an image of him receiving hospital treatment, and snaps of him recovering at home, reports the Mirror.
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To clarify his absence from the show, the post read: “For you eagle eyed Goggleboxers, you may have noticed that Raza (@razathefaint) hasn’t joined us on the sofa so far this season. Sadly he had a bit of a fall, a few weeks back and cracked some ribs.” The post stated that they fully anticipate his return in a few weeks as he is recuperating well. It continued: “He’s absolutely smashing his recovery, staying positive and keeping himself entertained with walks, telly, reading and nephew cuddles with Theodore.
“I know you guys reaching out and sending your well wishes will put a bigger smile on his face than morphine ever could. Can’t wait for all four Siddiquis to be back on team @c4gogglebox with the rest of the fab families.” The post was greeted with a wave of positive responses and well-wishing messages. One user commented: “Bless you get well soon, we look forward to having you back on our screens when you are well enough. “Another expressed hope for his “speedy recovery”. A third chimed in with: “Oh no! Get well soon!”
Away from the show, Baasit is married to wife Melissa, and the couple have two children, Amelia and Theodore. Umar and Raza are believed to be single, while dad Sid – a retired engineer who relocated to the UK from Pakistan when he was just 16 – is married to wife Nasreen and they also have two daughters, who have opted to never appear on the show, The Mirror previously reported.
While the Siddiquis often talk about family life on the show, Nasreen has never appeared in front of cameras, and previously dismissed any chance of joining her sons on-screen. She told The Daily Mail: “It’s not something for me, I don’t speak very good English and I’m very shy. It’s best left to the boys. You won’t get me on the TV.”
Regarding how the Siddiqui family secured their place on Gogglebox, Umar recounted their distinctive audition experience to Radio Times: “We did a bit of an audition, where people came round with a camera and some flash cards – images of Boris Johnson, Simon Cowell. “And they said, ‘Right, just say the first thing that comes into your mind’. Whatever dynamic we had seemed to suit the show, because they asked us if we wanted to be part of it. And they’ve kept on asking us.”
The Siddiquis weren’t the only family with a missing member in the recent series. Viewers quickly noticed that brothers Tremaine and Tristan Plummer were without their sibling Twaine. The trio had joined the programme in 2016, but Twaine has been noticeably absent from recent episodes. Prior to an episode’s airing, Tremaine and Tristan confirmed on Instagram: “It’s just the two T’s today as Twaine left us to go on holiday. So we’ve got a new member of the team now,” before introducing their charming dog.
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Twaine expressed his sentiments in response to the post, explaining how gutted he was to be missing out and stating: “Wish I was there. ” His fans were quick to rally around him, extending wishes for a happy birthday. Celebrating his 40th birthday, the star enjoyed a trip to Colombia, writing on Instagram: “lived 14,610 days.”
The brothers made their Gogglebox debut 10 years ago, but have very different jobs away from screens. Two of the stars, who live in Bristol, Twaine and Tristan, have enjoyed professional footballing careers, though Twaine has since worked as a DJ, while Tremaine presents a breakfast radio show on Bristol’s Ujima FM.
Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.