Paige Deville has quit the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox, accusing the production company of providing "zero aftercare support" and of controlling the cast's "actions and opinions".
Deville tweeted: "I have made the decision to walk away from Gogglebox. It’s been an experience but one I cannot continue with due to long hours of filming, restrictiveness, control of our actions and opinions, and zero aftercare support - but hey, who cares about ex-cast, they're NTA winners."
She issued the damning statement on the day the show, which is produced by Studio Lambert, is set to return for its new series. It's unclear if she and her mum, Sally, are in tonight's show, or if Sally will continue without her daughter.
READ MORE: Gogglebox's Marina shares tribute to 'dearest friend' Mary as show returns this week
It's also unwelcome negative press, just days after it was on a high after winning a National Television Award for the best factual programme.
A show spokesperson responded to Paige's spectacular resignation by saying: "The welfare of contributors – past and present – is of paramount importance and robust protocols are in place to support contributors before, during and after taking part in the series." The spokesperson did not respond to questions about whether Sally would return.
The show has previously been accused of cultivating a toxic culture behind the scenes, with staff saying they are forced to work in "inhumane" conditions, including being "screamed at for 12 hours a day".
It's been a troubling summer for the show. A number of cast members have sadly died, while others have quit. Mary, Pete, and Andy have all passed away, and their family members have decided to step back "for the moment", according to the show's executive producer, Victoria Ray.
Gogglebox returns to Channel 4 tonight, Friday, September 17, at 9pm.
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