Gogglebox family axed from Channel 4 show as father Andrew Michael becomes Ukip candidate

One of the families in the popular Channel 4 series Gogglebox has been axed from the show after it was revealed the father is running as a Ukip general election candidate.

The Michaels, from Brighton, will no longer appear on the show after dad Andrew announced his intention to run for the Hastings and Rye seat in East Sussex.

Andrew Michael, 55, his wife Carolyne, 53, and children Louis, 17, and Alex, 24, proved to be a popular addition to the show featuring families discussing television shows. The family even discussed the politics of Ukip in some of their appearances.

A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: "It's with great regret that the Michaels are no longer in the show.

"Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox.

"They have been excellent contributors to Gogglebox, and we are very grateful for all they have given to the show."

Carolyne Michael said the family were sad to be leaving the show.

She wrote on Twitter: "It's with great sadness that we must say goodbye to the wonderful Gogglebox family. Andy entering politics so can no longer stay with it.

"We've loved every minute of our involvement. It's the best show on TV and I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support. We'll miss you.

"Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year with love and all our heartfelt thanks from all the Michael family."

This is not the first time a family has left the show because of outside influences. The Gilbey family were axed in August after son George appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.

However, Dom Parker, one half of the 'posh drunk couple', will be allowed to stay despite signing up for Channel 4 show The Jump.