Gogglebox reveals previously unseen family member after Tom Malone quits show

Tom Malone announced he was leaving in February to seek new opportunities

Channel 4 series Gogglebox has introduced a previously never-before-seen member of one of its most popular families.

Following Tom Malones’ exit from the programme as he moves on to new opportunities, the latest episode saw him replaced by his sister, Vanessa.

Vanessa made her debut this week – despite the family having first appeared on the show in 2014 – along with Tom Snr, mum Julie and brother Shaun.

“I wasn't really a daddy's girl,” Vanessa told her mum as she was introduced. “You just used to say that I was a daddy's girl because that gave you an excuse to pander around the boys.”

“She used to have you wrapped around her little finger,” Julie told Tom Snr.

Some viewers expressed their surprise at Vanessa’s introduction, pointing out that they couldn’t remember any mention of her in previous episodes.

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“Didn’t know The Malones has a daughter!???, where has she been all this time…” one viewer wrote.

Tom Malone announced his departure in February with a lengthy statement on Instagram ,alongside a picture of him holding a sign that read: “Back on the Market. Get At Me With Any TV Work.”

“So after six-and-a-half years it’s finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye to Gogglebox,” he said.

“I’ve loved every minute and I’m eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it’s time to explore them.”

Tom added that he looked forward to watching the show as a viewer and “not having to worry about having said something stupid”.

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Earlier this week, shelving and supplies retailer BiGDUG announced in a light-hearted video that Malone is now their “Head of Chair Testing”, thanks to his experience on the Gogglebox sofa.

Gogglebox airs at 9pm on Channel 4.