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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Stephen Webb's bitter row with 'hurt' Gogglebox co-star who was 'forced off' show

Gogglebox star Stephen Webb is used to pulling out cheeky gags and hilarious one-liners - not pulling women into swimming pools.

The hairdresser was reportedly fuming after beeing shoved into the water while he was fully clothes by a friend at an exclusive club.

While fellow drinkers were howling with laughter, Stephen then grabbed the prankster's unsuspecting pal, who was chatting to his husband Daniel Lustig.

A source told The Sun that Stephen "started shouting at her" because the woman was laughing with everyone else then dragged her into the water.

Stephen, who claimed he took it in "very good spirits", said afterwards: "I am very sorry if she felt upset or hurt by my actions. That was never my intention."

It's certainly not the first time that the Gogglebox favourite has clashed with a friend - as he no longer speaks to ex-partner and former Gogglebox co-star Chris Ashby-Steed.

Gogglebox stars Stephen Webb and Chris Ashby-Steed had a bitter falling out (PA)

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The pair, who previously dated before the show but remained close friends, were part of the original Gogglebox line-up in March 2013.

In one of the most iconic moments in TV history, Stephen was watching a hard-hitting series with Chris, who said: "We all like a bad boy though, don't we."

With a baffled expression, Stephen replied: "Yeah, not a f***ing terrorist though Chris. There's a bad boy and then there's evil."

The hairdressing duo loved to bicker on the show but appeared to be incredibly close friends during their 10 series, but it was a different story behind-the-scenes.

They were secretly locked in a bitter feud that destroyed their friendship forever - with Chris announcing he was leaving the Channel 4 show in February 2018.

"After 10 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," his statement read.

"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!"

They used to be in a relationship but stayed friends (Getty Images)
Chris and Stephen at the NTAs in 2017 (PA)

Chris even wished good luck to his replacement, Stephen's mum Pat, who got the spot on the sofa and stayed for two series.

He added: "I wish Stephen and Mummy Pat all the very best on the show, and I look forward to watching them every week."

What Chris didn't mention at the time were the off-screen rows that left him feeling incredibly low and a planned TV project involving the pair fell through.

He claimed the duo had planned to take some time away from Gogglebox to take part in a new venture and blamed Stephen for it never getting off the ground.

"We had a production company that was interested in taking us on. They wanted to get us out there as a brand," Chris told The Mirror in March 2019.

"But Stephen decided to copy me in to an email to the studio saying he was going to terminate our joint venture. After he sent that email I didn’t speak to him for a little while because I was hurt by it."

According to Chris, Gogglebox bosses then offered them their place on the show back - but Stephen did not want to work together again.

Chris Ashby-Steed spoke out about reality TV aftercare (Publicity Picture)

"Then the studio called and said they would like to offer us the position back on Gogglebox," claimed Chris.

"I spoke to Stephen and his attitude was 'I'm not sure I can put up with you every other week filming'. Which was a bit of a blow.

"I turned around to him and said, 'I get the impression that I think a lot more of you than you do of me'. His reply was, 'Yeah, you're probably right.'"

Chris alleged that he got the green light from producers to appear with a new partner on alternate weeks to Stephen, but it never happened.

"I've felt like a failure, I’ve been depressed, I struggle in social situations, I’m agoraphobic," he added. "I'm worried about people coming up to me and asking why I left the show.

Taking to social media after the interview was published, Chris stated that he'd finally had the courage to stand up and explain how he was "forced off" Gogglebox.

When Chris made the claims in 2019, a Gogglebox spokesperson told the Mirror: "Chris has not contacted us since he made the decision to leave the show. The duty of care of the Gogglebox contributors is of paramount importance."

Stephen is now joined by his husband Daniel (Channel 4)

Sadly Chris has not returned to our screens, but lives happily with husband Tony, who he tied the knot with back in 2017.

"It was amazing. Do you know what? You know how when you talk to married couples about their wedding day and they say it was the best day of their lives? Up until that point I didn't believe that it could be possible," said Chris during an interview with HELLO!.

"It was the most amazing day of my life and I know it was of Tony's life as well."

Leaving his TV career firmly in the past, Chris and Tony have now moved to rural Wales and are currently renovating their lavish pad.

Meanwhile, Stephen has remained on Gogglebox but his husband, Daniel, has joined him on the sofa since 2019 and is now a regular fixture.

They were married in a romantic ceremony at the Chateau de Lisse in Lot-et-Garonne, France in July 2018 and now live in Brighton, where they own a salon named after themselves - Lustig and Webb.

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