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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Tamara Davison

Gogglebox bosses were forced to stop filming with Mary and Marina over coronavirus risk

Gogglebox bosses decided to stop filming with elderly duo Mary and Marina because they didn't want to 'put them at risk' during the pandemic.

The hit Channel 4 show has continued to bring viewers their weekly dose of television reality throughout the pandemic.

However, in recent weeks viewers became worried after the two much loved characters - who live in a care home - were not seen during recent episodes.

The show's creator Tania Alexander has opened up about the issues they faced when producing the show during the ongoing lockdown.

She confirmed that they had made the tough decision to half filming with the elderly ladies because of the virus risk.

Mary and Marina have not been seen throughout Gogglebox season 15 ((Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity.)

Marina and Mary, a Bristol duo who are both in their nineties, are said to be missing the crew and their weekly fun.

"Unfortunately, it was not possible to film with the full cast," Tania wrote for The Telegraph.

"For example, we took the decision to tell Mary and Marina, who are in their 90s and live in a care home, that we didn’t want them put at any risk so we should stop filming with them altogether.

The Bristolian duo live in a carehome (Channel 4)

"The ladies are safe and well looked after but often tell us they dearly miss the crews and the fun they have during filming each week."

In the article, Tania also explained they had made huge changes in order to continue filming and some cast members - such as Jenny and Lee - had to move in together.

Gogglebox viewers have been fearing about Mary and Marina for weeks, since it became apparent that they weren't appearing on the show.

Jenny and Lee have moved in together for filming during the pandemic (Channel 4)

Back in April, Tania also reassured fans that she spoke to the duo each week.

It appears that Mary and Marina are currently at St Monica Trust retirement village in Westbury-on-Trym. The services are not allowing any guests to visit inside as per the government guidelines.

Around a quarter of deaths related to Covid-19 have reportedly happened in the country's carehomes.

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