Gogglebox star Tom Malone Jr’s exit explained after six years

Gogglebox kicks off tonight, but won’t feature one the its fan favourites, Tom Malone Jr.

Tom recently announced that he’d decided to leave the show after six years, and has now explained why and teased a bright future.

The star shared a snap of himself on Instagram holding up a sign reading: “Back on the market – get at me with any TV work.”

He captioned the post: “So after 6 and a half years it’s finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye to Gogglebox.

“I’ve loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show.”

And explaining his decision to leave, Tom added: “But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them.”

Fans are none the wiser as to what these opportunities are, but it’s fair to say that we can expect great things from Tom.

His family will remain on the series, renowned for their no-nonsense commentary, array of treats and, of course, the dogs.

Tom joked: “I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid.

“PS. Don’t worry my family @themalonesgb and @shaunmalone95 will still be on the show to keep you guys entertained every Friday.”

He concluded with a champagne glass emoji, writing: “To the future!”

Tom also clarified that girlfriend Bryony Briscoe had nothing to do with his decision to leave, and that he didn’t “quit” – rather he “left on good terms.”

Tom and the family – including dad Tom Snr, mum Julie, and brother Shaun – first joined Gogglebox in 2014.

And their four Rottweilers have also become stars in their own right – Dave, Lucy, Izzy and Joe.

The show’s more dedicated fans will be interested to learn that there are actually two more siblings who’ve never featured.

Tom Jnr and Shaun’s elder brother and sister Lee and Vanessa haven’t appeared.

Lee runs his own property renovations business, while Vanessa works as an NHS nurse.

The Malones recently ranked fourth on a fan-voted list of the show’s stars.

Jenny and Lee came in first with nearly 40% of the vote.

*New Gogglebox airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.

Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/goggleboxs-tom-malone-jr-missing-23573853