As Google Box celebrates its 10th anniversary, the show’s narrator Craig Cash looks back on his time on the hugely popular Channel 4 show.
Craig has been the show’s regular voice since 2016, following the death of his former co-star and Royle Family friend Caroline Aherne – who originally narrated the show since its launch in 2013.
In an interview with Radio Times, Craig said that despite the “bittersweetness” of the show’s continuation, it was “like a gift from Caroline” for him.
Craig Cash and Caroline Aherne
He told the magazine: “She had asked me if I could cover for her because she was not feeling well. When she took weeks off for treatment, I gradually stepped in.”
“Then when she died, they asked me if I would continue. In a way, it was like a gift from Caroline.
“It was bittersweet at first because when I walked in I felt like she was there. We recorded it in the same room and I know it sounds weird but I could feel some kind of presence.”
The Gogglebox format – which sees ordinary families sit in front of the television and discuss what they are watching – was inspired by the late 1990s BBC comedy The Royle Family, which was created and written by Caroline and Craig, who also played married couple David and Denise.
Cast of the Royle family: Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Ralf Little, Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston.
This is why Caroline was the first choice for the voice when Gogglebox was developed.
“I understand why they wanted Caroline and then me from the beginning, because the mood is the same – it’s about families sitting in front of the TV and commenting on people, putting them down or being happy about them,” says Craig.
“It feels very much like they picked up our ball and ran in a completely new direction.”
On the continued success of Gogglebox, Craig says: “Well, it’s warm, funny and multicultural and has a great mix of all ages. It’s a great snapshot of Britain.”
Read the full interview with Craig in this week’s Radio Times, out now. www.radiotimes.com. Gogglebox airs on Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4 and All4.
