Gogglebox stars Jenny and Lee's off-screen lives - partners, jobs and real reason they're on show

Gogglebox favourites Jenny and Lee have become household names since they first graced our screens in 2014. The Hull duo is celebrated for their witty banter, expressive glances, and playful jibes at one another.

Throughout their time on the Channel 4 programme, viewers have enjoyed many unforgettable moments, including Jenny's detective work on 'Line of Duty's' elusive 'H', Lee's comical error of eating Jenny's face cream thinking it was a tasty snack, and an incident where Jenny accidentally dyed Lee's clothes orange with a rogue towel. But what's the story behind the pair when they're not entertaining the nation on TV?

Who are Jenny Newby and Lee Riley beyond Gogglebox?

Jenny and Lee's friendship spans over two decades, having met when Jenny was running The Crown Inn in Paull back in 1994. Speaking to Ireland's Big Issue, Jenny shared: "Lee was a customer at my pub, The Crown Inn in Paull. He became a regular in 1994 and used to come in pretty much every night with his partner and we were friends from the off. We've been best friends ever since."

Lee humorously remarked: "I wish I've never gone in the pub it cost me a fortune. When I first met her she had a perm and I can remember thinking, 'She needs a haircut'. We were firm friends immediately.", reports Hull Live.

The pair also reflected on their harmonious relationship, with Lee saying: "I don't think we've ever had an argument. We're too placid to argue. She makes me laugh too much for me to ever fall out with her."

Jenny and Lee, the beloved Gogglebox duo, have been sharing their love for television long before they became household names. The pair, who lived together during the Covid-19 pandemic to continue filming for the show, bring a wealth of life experience to viewers' screens.

At 69, Jenny's vibrant personality shines through, while Lee has just celebrated his 57th birthday this past September.

But how did these two become stars on Gogglebox?

It all started when Channel 4 recruiters approached Jenny at Beverley Races Ladies' Day, asking if she would be interested in joining the show with her husband. Instead, she convinced Lee to join her, although it took some persuasion.

Lee told the Hull Daily Mail about the beginning of their Gogglebox journey: "I wasn't [at Beverley Races] but she asked me if I wanted to sit and do a test filming with her," adding that he was initially reluctant because he hadn't even seen the show and Jenny had interrupted his day off.

Jenny believes that the charm of Gogglebox lies in its simplicity – it's just ordinary people engaging in a common activity across the nation: watching TV and discussing it. "It's just ordinary people reacting as anyone would," she explained.

"I think people watch and see themselves, 'Oh, I do that, or, I said that'."

Lee emphasises the authenticity of their reactions on the show: "It's all completely natural," he remarked. "You forget the cameras are there and you just act normally."

Details about Jenny and Lee's current employment status are not widely known. Jenny has a background as a pub landlord, while Lee has kept quiet regarding his career.

As for their personal lives, it is unclear who Jenny and Lee's partners are.

Jenny Newby from Gogglebox is blissfully wed to her husband Ray, who has remained away from the television spotlight, never appearing on the show. Instead, it's Lee Riley who often joins Jenny on screen after being suggested as a substitute when Ray declined to participate.

Lee himself has been committed to his partner Steve Mail for an impressive three decades; despite Steve living in Cyprus and Lee in the UK, they maintain their connection with frequent visits to the Mediterranean. In an emotional Instagram message from October 2024, Lee sent birthday wishes to Steve: “Wishing this gorgeous person that's the one on the left a very happiest of birthdays.

” He added: “Have fun, not too much as I can't be there in Cyprus to celebrate with you. Love ya to the moon Steve xx”.

When it comes to their living situations, fans might wonder if Jenny and Lee cohabit. They do not; the iconic Gogglebox scenes are captured inside Lee’s abode within Patrington Haven caravan park in Hull.

On the other hand, Jenny typically spends her time at a separate residence with husband Ray. Nonetheless, the pair did share Lee's caravan during the initial lockdown in spring 2020, an arrangement made to continue their Gogglebox appearances, which Lee announced on their shared Twitter feed: "Well what can we say it's Friday and it's still on #Gogglebox.”.

"Jenny and me watching together as we are both on lockdown TOGETHER friends with no benefits I may add an hour of laughs stay safe stay well #StayHomeSavesLives."

After spending nine weeks in the caravan, Jenny decided to leave Lee and head back home to Ray. She asked Lee on camera, "I'll miss you when I go home. Have you bought me a leaving present? " To which Lee responded with a quick retort, "Yeah. A f**king suitcase,".