Gogglebox star Jenny Newby has been a firm favourite on the Channel 4 show since she first appeared alongside best pal Lee Riley in 2014 – but she has faced a number of health battles
Gogglebox‘s Jenny Newby remains a beloved fixture on the programme – yet she has endured numerous devastating health battles throughout the years.
Jenny initially appeared on the Channel 4 series in 2014 alongside her closest friend Lee Riley. Throughout their time on screen, the Hull-based duo – who have maintained their friendship for over 25 years – have left audiences in fits of laughter with their witty remarks.
Nevertheless, behind the scenes of the show, Jenny has confronted multiple health challenges and has spoken candidly about her experiences.
During 2018, Jenny disclosed that she had been struggling with arthritis. Prior to viewing an advertisement created by the charity Versus Arthritis, Jenny acknowledged her condition, stating: “I’ve got arthritis.”
She elaborated: “I get more stressed now because I can’t fasten my coat. I can’t open a tin of beans and I’ve got to ask somebody. And that I think is the worst, when I have got to ask somebody because I feel like I am stupid.”, reports the Mirror.
In a statement released after the advertisement aired, the cherished television personality Jenny continued: “I’ve suffered with arthritis for a while now. I think something people don’t realise is the impact the condition has on simple everyday life.”
She continued: “I really do think we should change that by being able to talk about it openly. It’s really important to me.”
And in 2022, co-star Lee disclosed that Jenny “is not very well” and was receiving hospital treatment following surgery. Speaking to the Daily Star from the BAFTA red carpet, Lee confirmed: “She is not very well, she is having an operation, a mini one, but she is recovering well though.”
He continued: “She was invited but the appointment was in Bafta week. You can’t turn down an NHS operation can you? But she is doing well.”
Lee also told The Sun that Jenny’s procedure was “minor” and that she would be watching [the Bafta Awards] from her hospital bed.
A month later, Jenny updated fans that she had been discharged from hospital and was recovering. Using her shared Instagram account with Lee, Jenny expressed gratitude to supporters for their messages of support.
In the video Lee said: “You’ll never guess who I’ve just bumped into, she’s out of hospital”. A delighted Lee then turned the camera towards Jenny, who waved at viewers.
“I want to thank you all for your kind well wishes, they’ve really cheered me up” Jenny said whilst smiling for the video. She expressed her appreciation for her fans’ backing: “Thank you very much.”
Gogglebox airs on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.