Jason Byrne and drag queen Panti Bliss to join Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland

By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Comedian Jason Byrne is the latest famous face to join Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland.

Panti Bliss, real name Rory O’Neill, a drag queen and campaigner on LGBT+ rights in Ireland, will be joined on the couch by entertainer Twink, real name Adele King, for Virgin Media Television’s special on Wednesday.

Co Mayo native Bliss said: “Gogglebox has long been one of my favourite easy, feel-good watches, so I was fully onboard the moment I was asked to do it.

⚠️ @thejasonbyrne joins the Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland couch ⚠️

Brand New: Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland, Wednesday, 20th September at 9pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player 📺#goggleboxirl pic.twitter.com/vuCXN2getY

— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) September 20, 2023

“Especially because eating snacks, watching TV, and being ‘pass remarkable’ is one of my finely honed talents.”

Dublin-born Byrne is set to appear alongside his son as he joins the already confirmed line-up of Derry Girls actor Tommy Tiernan, TV presenter Hector O hEochagain and radio broadcaster Laurita Blewitt and journalist and Dancing With The Stars former competitor Grainne Seoige along with stars of The Young Offenders Shane Casey and Demi Isaac Oviawe.

Other household names who will be taking part in the one-off special include internet famous family The Flemings, showbiz couple Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian and TV presenters Tommy Bowe, Karen Koster and Martin King.

Couch watchers also include Moone Boy actress Norma Sheahan and Fair City star Rachel Pilkington, singer Erica Cody and The Saturdays singer Una Healy and comedians Tony Cantwell, Emma Doran and Shane Daniel Byrne.

Cody said: “I’m super excited to be taking part, Gogglebox is one of me and my granddad’s favourite shows (this will be his favourite episode yet) so it’s a full circle moment.”

Healy said: “I’m very excited to take part as I’m a big fan, and I’m always like Gogglebox myself at home… I used to get told off for chatting over things commentating when I used to watch TV when I was younger.”

The best of TV will also be watched by Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona and Irish comedian and writer Alison Spittle.

Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland will air on September 20 at 9pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player.