Gogglebox fans rush to offer support after Dave & Shirley share plea

Ten years after joining Gogglebox, Dave and Shirley Griffiths have defied the odds, confirming their return to the Channel 4 hit just weeks after shock firings rocked the cast. On August 21, 2025, at 10:11 PM +07, the beloved Welsh couple announced via Instagram that they’ll resume filming by late September, sending fans into tears of joy. Their resilience shines through after a tumultuous period that saw them briefly axed, proving their status as fan favorites remains unshaken.

The Griffiths, from Caerphilly, have been a fixture since 2015, delighting viewers with their witty banter and 49-year marriage. Their exit in July 2025, part of a cast overhaul following Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle’s departure, sparked outrage. Channel 4 cited “creative direction” changes, but fans flooded X with protests, with @GoggleboxLover pleading, “Dave and Shirley are the heart of this show—bring them back!” The couple’s firing came after a May 2025 season finale where Shirley’s absence during Dave’s Dubai trip fueled rumors, though they quickly denied quitting.

Their reinstatement, confirmed after negotiations with Studio Lambert, reflects public demand. Dave posted a video on August 21, saying, “We’re back, mates—end of August filming starts!” alongside a photo of them smiling on holiday. Shirley added, “Love you all—see you soon,” blowing a kiss. The turnaround, just six weeks after their axing, underscores their irreplaceable charm, with a source telling The Sun, “Fans wouldn’t let them go.”

Shirley will never share a bath, not even with Dave | Gogglebox 2024

The emotional response was immediate. On X, @DaveShirlfan cried, “Tears of happiness—thought we’d lost them!” Their return aligns with a new season slated for October 2025, featuring refreshed dynamics after the Scottish duo’s exit. Dave’s recent retirement from his factory cleaner job and Shirley’s 70th birthday celebration in March 2025 had already endeared them further, with fans sending gifts. The couple’s Instagram, boasting 203,000 followers, became a battleground for support, amplifying their comeback.

Gogglebox's Dave and Shirley share 'sad' news as fans say 'it won't be the  same' | Wales Online

Their journey—49 years married, 10 on Gogglebox—resonates deeply. Shirley’s past retail career and Dave’s quips about her cooking have fueled their appeal, surviving tabloid scrutiny like Dave’s 2024 Dubai trip sans Shirley. Now, their return promises more laughter, with a teaser hinting at a holiday special. As of tonight, the Gogglebox family feels whole again, with fans eagerly awaiting their sofa comeback.

This saga highlights Gogglebox’s reliance on its stars. Will Dave and Shirley’s resilience inspire new storylines, or will tensions linger from the firings? One thing’s certain: their refusal to quit has cemented their legacy, leaving viewers teary but thrilled.