Tom Malone Junior has taken to Twitter to give a statement on why he is leaving Gogglebox.
Yesterday (February 25) the sofa star, who is one of The Malones, announced he will not be returning for tonight’s series, but the rest of his family will.
Malone Jnr’s departure has led to a string of tributes on social media from people who say the show won't be the same without him, as Birmingham Live reports.
And he has taken to social media to "clear some things up" about his decision to leave.
He says it was nothing to do with being scared of saying "something stupid" and that he left the show on good terms.
He posted on Twitter: "Just to clear a few things up: - I didn’t “Quit” the show...I left on good terms.
"My girlfriend never even wanted to be on the show and had nothing I do with me leaving.
"I wasn’t scared to say something stupid. Anyone spouting these narratives are spreading fabrications."
Gogglebox returns for its 17th series tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
News of his sudden departure came just a day before the much-anticipated new series begins.
Tom frequently appeared on the show, alongside dad Tom Snr, mum Julie and brother Shaun, as well as their pack of loveable dogs.
Sharing an image of himself on his social media accounts, the 26-year-old appeared in a grey rollerneck jumper and holding a cardboard sign reding: "Back on the market. Get at me with any TV work".
The new series of Gogglebox starts tonight at 9pm on Channel 4
