Yvie Jones, a former fan favourite on Gogglebox Australia, has dropped a surprising bombshell as she lifted the lid on the popular reality television show, revealing the surprising ways producers find the cast. The 45-year-old shared a sofa with her roommate Angie Kent, 29, on Gogglebox Australia for eight years before the pair exited the show last year. Now, the former star has spilled a behind-the-scenes secret, as she answered fans’ questions on Fox FM’s Fifi, Fev and Bryon. Yvie explained to Fox FM listeners how the Channel 10 talent scouts are always keeping an eye out while in public for potential Gogglebox stars, however it is unclear if the UK version shown on Channel 4 is the same.
She spilled: “We got on [the show] from a friend, the young boys were overheard having a laugh in a beer garden, Lee and Keith were heard having an argument in a food court.”
The “young boys” in question were university pals Symon Lovett and Adam Densten – who still appear on the show.
She also revealed how producers struggle to cast for the show these days because candidates try too hard to be entertaining.
Yvie said: “They have a lot of people around watching. But apparently it’s hard to cast now and the reason it’s so hard is because everyone keeps trying to be what they think the show is looking for. You have to just be yourselves.”
The TV personality also revealed how she and Angie were hand-picked for the show after being nominated by a friend.
She described the process as a “Skype audition” but admitted one of her roommates didn’t make the cut.
Yvie divulged: “It’s like a Skype audition. I had a friend working on The Bachelor producing Blake Garvey’s season and he got the internal email saying there’s a new show coming, do you know anyone you want to put forward before we begin casting.
“He sent in a video of me, Angie and Tom (Yvie’s other roommate) but they didn’t want Tom. They only wanted Angie and I.”
The reality star said the show was filmed in their own house and their flatmate had to hide in his room while they were filming.
Surprisingly, Gogglebox stars do not get paid a talent fee but the landlords get paid a location fee, according to her.
Meanwhile, Yvie launched her media career after starring on the show for eight seasons and is now filling in for Fifi Box on Fox FM while her co-star Angie is in The Bachelorette.
The duo who are considered household favourites Down Under but quit Gogglebox in December.
The announcement of their departure was published via Gogglebox Australia’s official Twitter page.
In view of their 25,400 followers, they wrote: “After eight amazing seasons, Angie and Yvie and Wayne and Tom have decided to switch off their TVs and farewell Gogglebox.
“We wish you all the best and thank you for all your incredible TV watching.”
Yvie has now made a transition from television to radio as she currently host’s on Fox FM.
The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! was announced as the replacement for Fifi Box as she goes on maternity leave.
