Latest news with #KateBottley
BBC News
08-08-2025
- Business
- BBC News
c890gv5j0dvo (GIF Image, 1 × 1 pixels)
Wendy Middleton BBC News, Yorkshire Baby Basics Baby Basics UK provides items such as bedding, clothing, toys and toiletries A baby bank which supports families with vulnerable children has moved to a bigger premises to help meet demand for its services. Baby Basics UK, which provides practical essentials to families with children between 0 and 5 years old, has moved to Albion House, in Savile Street, Sheffield. Since 2019 it said demand for help had risen from an average of 80 referrals per month to around 270. CEO Cat Ross said: "The massive difference for us is that we're all on one level, which means that our wonderful team of 70-plus volunteers are not having to climb up and down multiple stairs - so it's just enabling us to be far more efficient." "It means we have more space to take in larger items like cots and prams in bigger quantities each week through donations from members of the public," she added. Google Baby Basics UK have move into a modern suite in Albion House in Sheffield The charity launched in Sheffield in 2009 and now has more than 50 locations across the country. Baby Basics has already helped 1500 families in Sheffield so far this year and one in every ten babies born in the city receives a Moses basket from the charity. The new premises are to be officially opened today by Baby Basics UK Patron, the Reverend Kate Bottley. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Deputy Mayor & Mayoress of Sheffield and representatives from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will also be in attendance. Related internet links
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nine Gogglebox families who quit the hit Channel 4 show - and their VERY different reasons for shunning TV fame
The Reverend Kate Bottley shocked Gogglebox viewers this week by revealing she had to quit the show because it was damaging her home life - and costing her money. The Radio 2 presenter, who proved a hit on the Channel 4 show, said this week she left the show as she was unaware how taking part would 'take over our lives'. She joined the programme, which started in 2013, to change the public perception of faith - but her experience was instead marked by 'consensual exploitation'. Her two children missed out on help with their homework and playdates with friends as they stayed in their rooms while a large crew were in their home. Family meal times were also disrupted and the couple's differing personalities led to relentless trolling from the public. Her astonishing confessions have got fans thinking - which other Gogglebox families have made an excuse for departure that veils some real discontent? Stephen and Daniel Lustig-Webb The hairdresser couple from Brighton left the show in September 2023, posting to Instagram to announce their departure. Stephen, 53, wrote: 'After careful consideration, Daniel and I have decided we will not be returning for the new series of Gogglebox. 'We would both like to thank Channel 4 and [production company] Studio Lambert for letting us be part of this amazing, funny and heartwarming show. 'We are also extremely thankful to the cast and crew, or Gogglebox family as we call them, and of course the fans. 'Thank you for all of your love and support over the years.' Stephen, 53, had been on the show for ten years by this time, since its very first series. He initially appeared on the reality programme alongside his friend and former partner Chris Ashby-Steed, who left in 2018. After starring with his mother Pat for two series, his husband Daniel, 50, soon joined him on the show after they were married. Viewers loved Stephen, who shot to wider fame, appearing on Alan Carr: Chatty Man and cast in last year's series of Dancing On Ice before withdrawing due to injury. He also appeared on Channel 4 reality programme Celebs Go Dating Stephen and Daniel, who co-own West Sussex hair salon Lustig and Webb, revealed in April last year they were getting a divorce after six years of marriage. And despite this, Daniel confessed on Best's Suddenly Single podcast in January that at the time, they were still living together while they tried to sell their apartment. He said: 'We cohabit really well together... We've found a way to work together, live together and be dog dads. It's always been about friendship.' Chris Ashby-Steed Fellow hairdressers Stephen and Chris originally appeared on Gogglebox together, when the programme first began in 2013. Five years later, Chris departed to pursue new opportunities, posting on X at the time: 'I'd like to announce I've decided to leave and am looking forward to the exciting adventures that lay ahead. 'Huge thanks to @C4Gogglebox @Channel4 for the amazing experiences I've had and wish cast and crew well. Five years later, Chris (pictured with Stephen at the National Television Awards in 2017) departed to pursue new opportunities, posting on X at the time: 'I'd like to announce I've decided to leave and am looking forward to the exciting adventures that lay ahead' 'Massive thanks to the fans for their support! #watchthisspace.' He admitted he was looking for 'a new start' after tying the knot with husband Tony Ashby-Steed in 2017. Chris wrote: 'After ten series, a wedding and a helluva lot of takeaways, our lovely dogs and I have decided it's time to say a very fond farewell to our Gogglebox family. 'I've loved every minute of being on the show and will never forget all the amazing things it's allowed me to do. 'Since my wedding, it's felt like there should be a new start so I'm taking the plunge to see what's out there! 'I'm really looking forward to what the future holds, especially pursuing a career in TV, as I hope to show viewers that I have many more talents. So, watch this space!' A spokesperson for Channel 4 told MailOnline at the time: 'Chris has decided to pursue other opportunities but we want to thank him for his fantastic contributions across ten series of Gogglebox.' As of 2023, Chris had moved with his husband to the Welsh town of Newcastle Emlyn and was working in hairdressing and furniture restoration. Tony was working at Legal and General and the pair were planning to rent out four of their guest bedrooms on Airbnb. He told WalesOnline in 2022 of leaving Brighton: 'I had the memories of Gogglebox there too and I wanted to eliminate those.' Chris said he struggled with his mental health during his time on the programme: 'I felt like I was pretending and it was just this real angst. 'I got this real anxiety about different places because it'd be like, people would stare at me and [I'd] be like, "Oh my God, they're staring at me, what are they going to say?"' The Michael family Andrew and Carolyne Michael, along with their children Louis and Alex, also from Brighton, left Gogglebox in 2015, two years after it began. Their departure came because Andrew stood as the UKIP candidate for Hastings and Rye in the 2015 general election. A spokesperson for the programme explained at the time: 'It's with great regret that the Michaels are no longer on the show. 'Sadly, any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox. After he did not win the seat, the family (pictured) returned to the programme 'They have been excellent contributors and we are very grateful for all they have given to the show.' After he did not win the seat, the family returned to the programme. Andrew told The Sun at the time: 'I have a responsibility to keep my family happy after they supported me last autumn. That was a big deal for us. 'They supported me then, so it's my time to support them now. 'Now I have stepped down from my official position as a prospective parliamentary candidate. I was happy to step down in order to pick up Gogglebox.' But the Michael family then left the show for a second time when Andrew sadly passed away aged 61 in August 2021. A statement at the time from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert said he died after a short illness with his family by his side. 'Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show's original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013', it said. 'Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed.' Marina Wingrove Marina Wingrove left the show in 2021 after her best friend, fellow retirement village resident and Gogglebox co-star Mary Cook sadly passed away. The Bristolian next door neighbours joined the show in 2016, quickly becoming consistent fan favourites during their five-year stint. She paid tribute to Mary at the time: 'My dearest friend Mary, treasured memories will last forever. 'Our laughs and giggles and our ups and downs will forever be in my heart. Deepest sympathies to Mary's family. Love Marina.' Marina has long been a keen fundraiser, raising more than £41,000 for charity over 17 years, including Macmillan, Great Western Air Ambulance and Children's Hospice South West. She ran an array of fundraising events at her retirement village since moving there nearly 20 years ago, including coffee mornings, afternoon teas and Christmas fairs. But Marina hosted her last charity function in October last year: 'I'm very grateful to all the residents for their support. 'They're very generous and they always buy a raffle ticket or donate prizes. I've enjoyed every minute of it. 'I'm sorry to give it up but it's time for me to stop and have a rest now. I'll be 90 at Christmas.' The Gilbey family The Gilbey family, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, consisting of Pete, Linda and their son George, entered the show during its second series in 2013. They departed the programme a year later when George decided to take part in the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother, reaching the final and finishing in fourth. His participation on the rival Channel 5 show was deemed a rule breaker by producers. The trio returned to Gogglebox in 2016, before George left again in 2018. It came after he was fined and sentenced to community service for assault and criminal damage against his girlfriend Gemma Conway. He was also then jailed for three months for drunk driving in 2019. His parents continued on Gogglebox until 2020, before Pete sadly passed away from bowel cancer, aged 71, in June 2021. And in March last year, George also tragically died, after falling 80ft to his death through a plastic skylight while working on a roof. The electrician, 40, sustained traumatic injuries to his head and torso and died at the scene in Shoeburyness, Essex, an inquest in Chelmsford in April last year heard. Essex senior coroner Lincoln Brookes opened then suspended the inquest, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. Coroner's officer Deborah Frost said paramedics and police attended but he died at the scene. His provisional cause of death was recorded as 'traumatic injury to head and torso consistent with fall from height'. A man, aged in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, was previously arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the incident. He was later released by police under investigation. A close friend told The Sun at the time his beloved mum Linda was left devastated as they described George as her 'little treasure'. They explained: 'First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.' Speaking at the time of Pete's death, Linda revealed her son had been left 'really cut up'. She said: 'Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years. I said to him, "We've not only been 25 years, it's been day and night with each other." 'He was my life. I have a message from a young lad I know who said, "Ordinary people won't be remembered, but we'll remember Pete forever - like the pyramids." 'I thought that was beautiful. He was so proud of George when he was in Big Brother too. Him and George really loved each other, George is really cut up.' Sandi and Sandra Best pals Sandi Bogle and Sandra Martin, from the Brixton area of London, entertained viewers with their lively friendship after joining Gogglebox in 2013. Sandi suddenly departed in 2016, sparking rumours of a feud between the friends - and she was soon followed a year later by her friend. Sandra addressed the rumours on ITV chat show Lorraine in 2018, saying the pals grew apart: 'Sandi was very busy being a celebrity.' Sandi appeared on the 20th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, finishing in ninth place. She is the cousin of supermodel Naomi Campbell, who appeared in a Gogglebox charity special in 2014. Sandra told The Sun in 2023 she was unemployed and living off handouts from celebrity pals: 'I get celebrity loans. No, they don't get paid back, I don't give it back.' During her time on Gogglebox, Sandra revealed everything was paid for, leaving her £500 a month to do whatever she wanted. She revealed since leaving, she had not worked but was still living well as her private property in Hastings was also paid for. 'I don't work, so I can't get paid. But they pay for my expenses, the hotels. 'Someone took me to Amsterdam and Ibiza - I get a lot of free trips, I'm just not getting paid.' The Tapper family The family of four, consisting of parents Nikki and Jonathan and kids Josh and Amy, were some of the original Gogglebox cast members in series one in 2013. But just like his co-star Andrew Michael, Josh left the programme in 2018 after getting a job at the Cabinet Office - and his family soon followed. He told The Mirror: 'I want to move away from that and the focus is now very much on my job. 'Of course, I miss it and sitting on the couch watching TV. But I am more focused on my future... it's a more secure path. 'I don't think any ministers recognise me but the civil servants do. It took them a while to mention it - a total of about two days!' Mum Nikki told The Sun in 2023 their departure also came more generally because the kids were growing up and getting too busy with work and university commitments. 'Our circumstances changed. It was a shame but it just wasn't possible for us to film the show any more', she explained. 'The best thing about doing Gogglebox, for all of us, is that we got to spend so much time together as a family, which we would never ever have otherwise.' But just like his co-star Andrew Michael, Josh (second left, pictured with his family and new wife Hannah at his wedding earlier this year) left the programme in 2018 after getting a job at the Cabinet Office - and his family soon followed 'Who sits for that amount of time with their teenage kids on a Friday or Saturday night?' Since their time on the Channel 4 programme, Amy has appeared on Celebs Go Dating, in 2018. She also teamed up with her dad for Celebrity Coach Trip in 2020, taking a coach tour with fellow stars, with the passengers voting for the pair they least like travelling with each day for booting off. The Moffatt family The Moffatt family, consisting of parents Mark and Betty and their daughters Scarlett and Ava, from County Durham, joined Gogglebox during its third series in 2014. Scarlett quickly became a fan favourite for her outspoken takes, shooting to wider fame beyond the show as she took on a burgeoning career in TV. It saw the family depart the Channel 4 programme in 2016 - and Scarlett went on to win that year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!. She began making a variety of TV and presenting appearances, including on Chris Ramsey's panel show Virtually Famous and hosting backstage at the 2017 National Television Awards. Scarlett took on a presenting gig on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway that year - but was dropped in 2019. Scarlett's rise to wider TV fame saw the family depart the Channel 4 programme in 2016 - and Scarlett went on to win that year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (pictured) An ITV spokesperson said at the time: 'Scarlett Moffatt won't feature as a contributor in the 2020 series of Saturday Night Takeaway. 'We thank Scarlett for all of her hard work on the show and will announce details of the new series nearer transmission.' Since 2020, she has hosted BBC Radio 1 podcast Scarlett Moffatt Wants to Believe with her boyfriend Scott Dobinson. Steph and Dom Steph and Dom Parker quickly became known as 'the posh couple' on Gogglebox upon joining in series one. They were always seen settling in to a night in front of the box in their smart living room with their beloved sausage dog sat between them. But the couple left the show in 2016, wanting to make way for new stars of the sofa. They told The Sun at the time: 'We think it's important that everyone gets their chance to be on Gogglebox and give their opinion. 'And having been on it from the beginning we felt like we'd pretty much said all we needed to say, and we knew what we were going to say.' The couple (pictured on This Morning in 2020) left the show in 2016, wanting to make way for new stars of the sofa Before appearing on Gogglebox, they had taken part in Channel 4's B&B review show Four In A Bed with their hotel The Salutation in Sandwich, Kent. The company running the hotel, managed by John and Dorothy Fothergill, went bust in 2020 after the couple took out a five-year lease on the business in 2016. The impressive Kent mansion featured heavily on Gogglebox - but the couple have now sold it and live in Spain's Canary Islands. They also now own a gin company called Guzzlebox Spirits, selling a tipple named Steph and Dom's Premium Oaked Dry Gin. The couple have made extensive TV appearances since their time on the show, including on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Hunted.
Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Vicar lied to escape ‘exploitative' Gogglebox
A vicar has admitted lying to escape the 'exploitative' television show Gogglebox. The Rev Kate Bottley, who is now a BBC Radio 2 DJ, said she and her husband Graham told Channel 4 bosses in 2016 they wanted a temporary break while their daughter took her GCSEs. But the couple failed to mention they had no plans to return and did not appear on the show again. The 50-year-old vicar said she chose to leave the programme because it 'took over our life' and she was contractually barred from appearing on other TV shows. 'There was stuff coming in that I wanted to have a go at that I just wasn't able contractually to do,' she said. 'It so happened that it came around the time Ruby was doing her GCSEs so the excuse we gave was, 'We're going to take some time away while she does her exams'.' She has since become a familiar face on radio and television, which funds her Church of England ministry. 'I wish I'd known how much it took over our life for two and a half years,' she told the Walking The Dog podcast. 'It's reality TV, it's by its nature consensual exploitation. 'So they come into your home. They're filming in your home – it was quite intrusive really. But we consented to that intrusion, but I didn't fully know just how.' She revealed her children spent two and a half years sitting in their bedrooms every Tuesday and Thursday nights during filming. 'My kids didn't have friends round for a lot (of the time), didn't have help with their homework. Things like that. 'And we got paid very little. They paid, but I cooked two nights a week for the crew. I'm married to a man who won't eat takeaways, and I don't want to be filmed eating on camera so I was like, 'No, I'll cook'. 'There were casseroles and chillis. So all the money we got from it went on the electricity, the internet connection that they were using, and the food and being hospitable to six people in my home two nights a week. 'It's a vicarage as well, I should be hospitable. We should be sharing our home to people, and eating food together. It was a good two and a half years but we couldn't have done any more. It got to the point where we were just a bit overwhelmed.' She was vicar of Blyth, Scrooby and Ranskill in Nottinghamshire when she first appeared on Gogglebox in 2014. Producers had seen her star in a viral wedding video where she and the congregation started dancing halfway through, which amassed 9.3 million views on YouTube. She appeared on five series of Gogglebox until 2016 when she departed the programme.
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gogglebox's Rev. Kate slams 'exploitative' show after horrible toll on family
Former Gogglebox cast member Reverend Kate Bottley, who appeared on the Channel 4 show with her husband Graham Bottley from 2014 to 2016, has spoken about the experience Former Gogglebox cast member Reverend Kate Bottley has described the TV show as "quite intrusive" and "consensual exploitation". She has now spoken about her experience almost a decade on from her decision to leave. Kate, now 50, appeared on the Channel 4 show alongside her husband Graham Bottley and their late dog Buster from 2014 to 2016. The couple, who have two children, welcomed cameras into their home in Blyth during the several series that they took part in the long-running reality TV show. Since leaving Gogglebox nine years ago, Kate has featured on several other shows including Songs of Praise and Pilgrimage: the Road To Santiago. The Church of England vicar also presents BBC Radio 2 's Good Morning Sunday. Kate reflected on her rise to fame on Gogglebox in an episode of the Walking the Dog podcast released yesterday. She said on the podcast: "I wish I'd known how much it took over our life for two and a half years. It's reality TV. It's by its nature ... it's consensual exploitation. [...] It was quite intrusive, really. But y'know we consented to that intrusion." Speaking about her family, she went on to say: "My kids spent two and a half years sat in their bedrooms every Tuesday and Thursday night or whatever nights they came to film. My kids didn't have friends round for a lot [of it and] didn't have help with their homework. Things like that." Kate also claimed that they "got paid very little". She said: "They paid but I cooked two nights a week for the crew." She then said that she offered to cook because Graham "won't eat takeaways" and she didn't want to be filmed eating. She said: "All the money we got from it went on the electricity, the internet connection that they were using and the food and being hospitable to six people in my home two nights a week. It's a vicarage as well - I should be hospitable. "We should be sharing our homes with people and eating food together and stuff. So y'know it was a good two and a half years but we couldn't have done any more with it, I don't think. It got to the point where we were just a bit overwhelmed." Asked if that was why she left, she said on the podcast: "Yeah." She however then claimed that she wasn't able to take part in other TV shows whilst under contract for Gogglebox despite wanting to "have a go" at other opportunities. She continued by saying: "Also, there's quite tight exclusivity and rightly so because if you're filming ordinary people sat on their sofa watching TV you can't then have those people on the TV. It sort of breaks the fourth wall too much." Kate said she was offered shows like Would I Lie To You? - which she has since appeared on - but wasn't allowed to take part because Gogglebox "wouldn't let you do it". She said: "There was stuff coming in that I wanted to have a go at which I just wasn't able, contractually, to do." The former cast member then revealed that she gave an "excuse" when she left Gogglebox in 2016. She said: "And it so happened that it came around the time Ruby was doing her GCSEs so the excuse we gave was 'we're gonna take some time away while she does her exams'."
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gogglebox star slams ‘exploitative' show saying she LIED to quit it and made no money
The former cast member says signing up for the show ended up damaging her family's home life Bitter Exit Gogglebox star slams 'exploitative' show saying she LIED to quit it and made no money Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Gogglebox star Rev Kate Bottley has slammed the "exploitative" show, saying she LIED to quit it and made no money. Kate, 50, who now presents on BBC Radio 2, revealed she gave a fake excuse to step away from the hit Channel 4 series - but had no intention of ever coming back. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Former Gogglebox star Rev Kate Bottley has slammed the "exploitative" show, saying she LIED to quit it and made no money Credit: Instagram The Church of England vicar, who appeared on Gogglebox with her husband Graham for five series until 2016, said signing up for the show ended up damaging her family's home life. She alleged it left her children isolated, meal times disrupted, and their modest fee swallowed up by hidden costs. Speaking on the Walking the Dog podcast, Kate said: 'I wish I'd known how much it took over our life for two and a half years. It's reality TV, it's by its nature consensual exploitation.' The journalist said she originally agreed to take part in a bid to change how people of faith were portrayed on screen - but soon found the filming schedule was 'quite intrusive'. Her son Arthur, who she described as on the 'autistic spectrum', and daughter Ruby, then still in school, would hide away in their rooms twice a week while a large production crew set up in the family home. She continued: 'My kids spent two-and-a-half years sat in their bedrooms every Tuesday and Thursday night or whatever nights they came to film. 'My kids didn't have friends round for a lot [of the time], didn't have help with their homework. Things like that.' Meal times also took a hit, with Kate adding: 'I'm married to a man who won't eat takeaways, and I don't want to be filmed eating on camera so I was like, 'No, I'll cook.' There were casseroles and chillis.' She added: 'They paid, but I cooked two nights a week for the crew… all the money we got from it went on the electricity, the internet connection that they were using, and the food and being hospitable to six people in my home two nights a week. "It's a vicarage as well, I should be hospitable. We should be sharing our home to people, and eating food together. Inside Gogglebox star Rev Kate Bottley's home with hot tub in the garden - including the bits you never see on camera "It was a good two and a half years but we couldn't have done any more. It got to the point where we were just a bit overwhelmed." Kate said she was first approached to take part after a 2013 video of her dancing down the aisle to Kool & the Gang's Celebration at a wedding she officiated went viral. It clocked more than eight million views on YouTube and caught the attention of Channel 4, who signed her and Graham up the following year. The pair were a hit with audiences, but Kate's confident personality drew online criticism from some viewers. She recalled: 'We used to get that whole 'Oh, you never let your husband speak.' It was like, 'Wow.' Be careful there, your misogyny's showing. 'Of course if you're a confident woman married to a quieter man he must be henpecked, and he must be bossed about - it's not that he's just naturally quieter. In any relationship there's someone that is more outgoing.' She said that while she and Graham were paid, the fee was small - and worse, being tied into the show stopped her from taking up better-paid offers elsewhere. She said: 'As well as finding the modest amount of money we were paid disappearing. There was stuff coming in that I wanted to have a go at that I just wasn't able contractually to do.' Offers from major entertainment shows like Would I Lie To You? were off the table due to the show's strict exclusivity clause. Kate said: 'There's quite tight exclusivity, and rightly so. Because if you're filming ordinary people sat on their sofa watching TV you can't then have those people on the TV. It sort of breaks the fourth wall too much.' Eventually, the family decided to walk away from Gogglebox, but not before offering viewers a cover story. She said: 'It so happened that it came around the time that Ruby was doing her GCSEs so the excuse we gave was, 'We're going to take some time away while she does her exams.' But we were just a bit overwhelmed.' Despite her experience, Kate credits the show with boosting her public profile. Since quitting, she's become a regular on Songs of Praise and built a successful career in radio and television, while husband Graham returned to teaching music. Speaking of her decision to go on Gogglebox, Kate previously told The Sun: "We wanted to show people that just because we have a faith and are Christians, it doesn't mean we are four-headed. Kate met her husband Graham at school when both were aged 13 years old but didn't begin dating until they were 18. Since her rise to fame. she has put her culinary skills under the microscope on Celebrity MasterChef. She has also presented the BBC's Songs of Praise. 4 Kate appeared on Gogglebox with her husband Graham for five series until 2016 Credit: Handout 4 Since her rise to fame. she has put her culinary skills under the microscope on Celebrity MasterChef Credit: BBC
