An original Gogglebox star has decided to leave the show after five years
Gogglebox fans will be devastated to hear that Chris Butland-Steed is leaving the show.
Chris alongside his TV partner Stephen Webb have been on the Channel 4 show since it first began in 2013 and although they've managed to continue working together, despite previously dating, they've decided to part ways.
Confirming the Brighton based hairdresser's departure, a spokesman for the show explained: "Chris has decided to pursue other opportunities but we want to thank him for his fantastic contributions across ten series."
When the new series returns this month Stephen will sit alongside his mum on the sofa and Chris has admitted he will continue to watch the pair on the show.
Check out: This is how much celebs get paid for going on CBB!
CBB Salaries: SLIDER
1 of 6Stephen Bear
Yes, there's big money in CBB... but not for everyone. Spare a thought for Ex On The Beach stud (and Charlotte Crosby's current squeeze) Stephen Bear, who was only paid £12k for taking part! Obviously £12,000 is hardly small change, but still, it's fair to say he was royally mugged off!
2 of 6Gemma Collins
Well this is a bit #awks, because it turns out TOWIE fave Gemma Collins - who entered the house with Steph - didn't get paid as much. Not that she did badly, reportedly earning £100,000 for her time in the house. Strictly Come Dancing's Kristina Rhianoff apparently also got paid the same.
3 of 6Steph Davis
In January 2016, Steph Davis entered the CBB house... and her life was never the same again. At the time, she was best known for her role as Sinead O'Connor in Hollyoaks, and was paid £150,000 to enter the house. Not bad, eh!
4 of 6Katie Price
What's Pricey's price? Well, she may have been a late surprise contestant in series 15 (which she went on to win), but Pricey apparently bagged an impressive £400,000. Not bad for three weeks work, eh!
5 of 6Ray J
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Ray J - Kim Kardashian's ex (and sex tape partner) - who is the highest earning CBB housemate of all time. Ray J was paid a staggering $1million to appear in the show (around £810,000). Now that sh*t IS cray!So, what are this series' CBB housemates earning? Well, we don't know for sure, but whatever fee they've managed to negotiate - it's likely to be six figures and more than the rest of us earn in a year.Nice work if you can get it, eh!
6 of 6Katie Hopkins
Love her or hate her, Katie Hopkins sure knows how to get headlines, and the producers of CBB certainly thought she was worth splashing the cash on, as she got paid a stonking £400,000 for appearing in series 17.
Taking to Twitter Chris revealed he has left the show to explore other opportunities, he wrote: "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.
"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!"
He continued: "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!"
Aww.
However according to The Sun, the real reason the Gogglebox star is leaving the show is because of a bitter falling out with Stephen. A source told the publication: "Stephen has sorted out a deal with the producers. He can carry on appearing in the show with his mum — and that meant cutting out his ex.
"Chris had hoped he would be able to sort out a deal with another friend but it didn’t work out and he will not be featured in the new series."
They added: "It will be interesting to see if Stephen works as well with his mum as he did with Chris."
Eek!
How do you feel about the change up? Will you miss Chris? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
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