One of Gogglebox’s longest-serving sofa critics has announced his divorce, six years after tying the knot.
Stephen Lustig-Webb and his husband Daniel have appeared on the hit Channel 4 programme together since 2019, but quit last year, saying they wanted to “explore other opportunities”.
The pair, who run a hairdressing salon together, got engaged in 2016 and later married in 2018.
Over the weekend Stephen confirmed their split, but said they planned to remain “forever friends”.
Demonstrating their amicable break-up, Daniel posted a short video on Instagram showing them happily riding a tandem bike around Brighton – their hometown – along with the song Good Life from Inner City and the jokey message: “Riding tandem straight out of this marriage #beryl #bff”.
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At the weekend, Stephen told The Sun: “It’s with much sadness Daniel and I have decided to divorce.
“There is, and always will be, a lot of love there but we’ve unfortunately grown apart and made the decision to part ways.
“We’ve made the decision with a very heavy heart to confirm our marriage has come to an end.
“I’m sure we will forever be friends.”
Stephen also posted a selfie on his Instagram feed taken on the same day out, along with Daniel and another family member, writing: “Lovely day celebrating @lustigellie birthday”.
Stephen was one of the original stars of Gogglebox, appearing from the first series in 2013, with his former partner Christopher Steed.
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After the couple went their separate ways in 2017, Christopher left the show and was replaced by Stephen’s mother Pat Webb from series 10 to 12.
Known as “Mummy Pat,” she died following a long illness at the start of this year.
Daniel joined the show from series 13 in 2019, becoming a Gogglebox staple alongside other stars including married couple Giles and Mary Killen in Wiltshire, sisters Izzy and Ellie Warner in Leeds, and the Siddiqui family in Derby.
Stephen and Daniel were best known for their love of their three poodles – Babs, Princess and Betsy – and Stephen’s frequent efforts to work on his physique.
In October last year, Lustig-Webb was forced to pull out of ITV’s Dancing On Ice after injuring his ankle during training.
Gogglebox – which sees families and friends giving their critique of the week’s TV – has run for 22 years.
It’s won a BAFTA and multiple National Television Awards and has led to a celebrity spin-off series and shows featuring children and teenagers.
Earlier this month, fans of the show were left reeling after another former Gogglebox star – George Gilbey – fell to his death through a plastic skylight while at work.