Gogglebox fans are only just realising Pete and Sophie are related to a children’s television legend
Gogglebox fans have been left in shock after discovering Pete and Sophie Sandiford are related to a television icon.
Their uncle is Paul Chuckle, formally known as Paul Elliott, who appeared on the BBC programme ChuckleVision between 1987 and 2009 alongside his late brother, Barry.
Meanwhile, Sophie first joined the long-running Channel 4 show back in 2017 for series 10, along with her brother Pete. And it didn’t take the Blackpool siblings long to become firm favourites with Gogglebox viewers.
Taking to Instagram, children’s TV icon Paul, 78, shared a throwback photo of himself alongside his famous niece and nephew as he wished Sophie a happy birthday.
Alongside the snap, Paul wrote: “@sophiesandiford1 … happy 30th birthday, my lovely grand niece Soph … you were only 24 here. Lots of love from us both xx.”
Gogglebox fans flocked to the comments in disbelief about the duo’s famous uncle.
One person wrote: “Well, you learn something every day. Lovely bunch”. A second stated: “Omg I didn’t know you guys were related.”
A third chimed in: “So being hilarious runs in the family”, another added: “Wait what no way.”
One person simply shared a shocked face emoji, while one exclaimed: “Can’t believe I never knew this! and I’m only just realising how much Sophie looks like you and Pete looks like Barry!”.
“Wow, I didn’t know they related them 2 siblings are related to Paul chuckle?!”, shared another.
Pete also paid tribute to his sister Sophie on her birthday. Taking to his Instagram, he shared a throwback photo of the pair and wrote in the caption: “Happy 30th birthday to my partner in crime since birth!”
Pete and Sophie’s other great uncle, Paul’s brother Barry, died after a battle with cancer at the age of 73 in August 2018.
Following his death, Sophie paid tribute to Paul and wrote: “A truly lovely and funny man to be around. You filled millions of childhoods with laughter and entertainment, including mine and Peter’s.”
She added: “You will be sadly missed by many. Rest in peace Uncle Barry. Lots of love from me, to you.”
Away from filming Gogglebox, Pete is a building company boss and proud dad to two children. Meanwhile, Sophie is a florist and got engaged last month to partner Ben McKeown.
Gogglebox airs Friday on Channel 4 at 9pm