Former Gogglebox star Sandra Martin has admitted she is living off handouts from her celebrity pals, as she is currently unemployed. The 61-year old was one of the original cast members in the hit Channel 4 show, appearing from the very first series in 2013, before leaving after nine series in 2017.
She and her best friend Sandi Bogle quickly became fan favourites on the show, and Sandra’s love of wearing plenty of jewellery and using a pot noodle carton as a cup endeared her to viewers.
However, Sandi quit the programme in 2016, ending their double act. Sandra followed suit the year after, and in 2018 admitted on Loose Women that she was back living off benefits.
The one-time TV star claims that during her time on the show, everything was paid for and she was left with £500 a month disposable income. Now, she finds herself reliant on the generosity of others.
“I get celebrity loans. No, they don’t get paid back, I don’t give it back,” she admitted. Although the TV star hasn’t worked in five years, she claims that she is still living well, since her private property in Hastings was paid for.
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She also takes advantage of the wealthy friends she has made, and has been on numerous holidays at their expense. “I don’t work, so I can’t get paid. But they pay for my expenses, the hotels,” she explained.
“Someone took me to Amsterdam and Ibiza – I get a lot of free trips, I’m just not getting paid,” she told The Sun.
Although fans may be hoping that she will return to the show at some point, Sandra admitted in 2021 that this would be impossible due to the rules laid down by producers.
“Apparently when you leave you can’t go back, but Channel Four knows me and my TV partner go back the ratings will go sky-high. But unfortunately, Channel Four likes it like this,” she posted on social media.
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She then went on to explain that participants are not allowed to star in other shows whilst they are appearing on Gogglebox.
She disclosed: “After Sandi left I missed her so much, plus it was a contract show – you can’t do certain shows like Big Brother if you on Gogglebox. Anyway am happy, 5 years on the sofa was good enough.”
Sandra had an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother lined up, but was left red-faced when she lost after discussing the exclusive deal too much.
Despite this, she starred on other shows including Celebrity First Dates and 100 Years Younger in 21 days.
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