Channel 4 Gogglebox favourite flooded with support after sharing update following illness

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 11/04/2026

- 16:15

The sibling duo hadn't appeared on the show recently

Gogglebox favourite Simon Minty has given a health update after fans of the show were left concerned by his recent absence.

The Surrey-based television personality, who appears alongside his sister Jane on the popular show, took to Instagram to address his future on the series.


Thankfully for fans, Mr Minty reassured Gogglebox viewers about his continued presence on the Channel 4 programme following a period of ill health that kept him away from screens.

In a new post on he and Jane's joint Gogglebox Instagram account on Friday evening, an update read: "Gogglebox should be a lot of fun tonight. Happy to be back too after not feeling so well. Hope you enjoy it and you have a lovely weekend ahead."

Simon and Jane

Simon Mintry updated Gogglebox fans about his recent absence

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INSTAGRAM

Fans were quick to share their delight at the news he'd be back on screens as well as their sympathies over Mr Minty's ill health.

One viewer responded: "Sorry to hear you haven't been well. Hope you're feeling much better now."

A second fan commented: "Pleased to hear you are feeling better x See you both later."

Another admirer expressed their affection, writing: "Lovely to see my two favourite people back on Gogglebox Hope you're feeling much better Simon Sending you both much love as always."

Another remarked: "Glad you're feeling better Simon!"

"Glad you’re feeling better x Will be watching later," a fifth echoed.

Someone else shared: "Love you two, glad [you're] feeling better Simon."

"Good news and looking forward to tonight," one more added. (sic)

The brother and sister duo first made their debut on the long-running television review programme back in 2021.

Since joining the cast, they have quickly established themselves as audience favourites thanks to their sharp wit and entertaining observations about weekly television highlights.

When not appearing on the Channel 4 series, the pair lead busy professional lives outside of television.

Jane pursues a career as a chef, working in a kitchen environment. Simon, who was born with restricted growth, dedicates himself to advocating for disability rights.

Simon Minty

The siblings' appearance on Friday's episode marked their comeback to the current series

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INSTAGRAM

The siblings' appearance on Friday's episode marked their comeback to the current series, which began airing last month.

However, the show has seen some changes to its lineup in recent times.

Prior to the 2025 series, it was revealed that fan favourites Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle would be departing the programme.

Their exit prompted producers to bring in fresh talent to join the cast. New additions to the Gogglebox family include Scottish pair Jake and Calum, who hail from Glasgow.

The Gordon family, also based in Surrey like Simon and Jane, joined the lineup as well.

Married couple Andrew and Alfie from the Cotswolds were also welcomed to the show.

Additionally, Sara and Lara, a mother and daughter-in-law team from Yorkshire, made their first appearance on the programme.