Sandra Martin has stressed that she wouldn’t film Gogglebox amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Unlike many, the Channel 4 programme is continuing during the UK lockdown, but has switched up its normal way of filming to allow its stars to use a rigged camera to abide by the social distancing rules.
While camera crews would normally be going into the stars’ houses, that’s not the case at the moment.
However, Sandra, who featured on the show for four years before leaving in 2017, nevertheless insisted to Metro.co.uk: ‘I wouldn’t do the show again [amid the coronavirus pandemic].’
Fans have also expressed concerns that family members from different households appear to be filming together, although the show has insisted social distancing guidelines are being abided by.
Asked what her response to that is, Sandra went on to say: ‘They’re wrong, innit. What can I say? I’m not a really criticising person but it’s not supposed to be happening.’
A spokesperson for Gogglebox told Metro.co.uk in a statement: ‘Most of the families live together but where they don’t, they are complying with PHE social distancing guidelines.
‘Gogglebox will only film with families where it’s safe to do so. The health and safety of our cast and crew is paramount.’
Sandra, who has revealed she’s getting tested for coronavirus due to fears she may be carrying it, has tragically lost five people close to her to the virus, including her sister-in-law and close friend, Moses.
She explained: ‘My friend’s dad died first, then my brother’s wife died, my uncle died and my good friend from Brixton died, it is all so tragic. What is going on?’
In honour of the people she’s lost, Sandra has also featured on a charity single, produced by Simon Gross and Ed Johns.
The single, a cover of Mariah Carey’s Hero, also features the likes of Alex Reid and Bobby Davro, with the proceeds going to NHS Charities Together.
‘The song is dedicated to my sister-in-law…[and] for the NHS, what they’re doing, she explained.
The NHS charity single is available to download via Amazon Music, Apple Music, Deezer and Spotify with all profits going to NHS Charities Together.
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