Gogglebox star sparks anger with ‘unbearable’ Stephen Graham remark amid Netflix Adolescence criticism: ‘Get rid!’
Netflix’s Adolescence recently became an overnight sensation, prompting world-wide conversations about misogyny and the influence of social media on young people.
Naturally, the series was among the topics explored in the latest Gogglebox episode, with the live reactions from the Channel 4 stars displayed.
Long-term Gogglebox members Giles Wood and Mary Killen often spark reaction for their eccentric musings, but a remark Killen made about the hard-hitting drama led to outrage amongst viewers.
Adolescence stars and was partly-written by applauded actor Stephen Graham, 51, with the Liverpudlian star receiving global praise for his performance.
As the Gogglebox stars switched the series on, Killen turned to her husband and remarked: “Stephen Graham – you know, that actor who always plays short northerners”.
The reductive statement sparked outrage online, with fans begging Gogglebox producers to “get rid” of the controversial couple.
Taking to X, one fumed: “Mary describing Stephen Graham as ‘The guy that always plays short northerners’ Good god”.
“‘Always plays short northerners’ Cheeky f***ing cow. @Channel4 I’ll never stop praying for you to get rid of Giles and Mary. Unbearable. #Gogglebox,” another seethed.”
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‘Short Northerners’ I beg your pardon!! #Gogglebox,” another viewer shared.
“Mary on #Gogglebox is not nice at all,” someone else shared, with one more writing: “Short northerners mary!! #Gogglebox.”
Not all Gogglebox fans took issue with the blunt comment though, with one viewer describing the couple as “so funny”. (sic)
Adolescence continues to dominate Netflix ratings, making UK television history by being the first streaming show to top the weekly TV ratings chart.
The show’s influence is such that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a meeting to discuss the influence of toxic online content.
The father-of-two dubbed the series a “really hard watch”. He also welcomed a move by streaming service to make the series available to watch for free in secondary schools.
Graham and the rest of the cast have been discussing the show’s impact everywhere, with the co-writer recently breaking down in tears during a live interview.
Discussing the impact of fathers, a key theme of the drama, Graham reflected during a conversation on Capital Radio breakfast show about his own experience.
Speaking to hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, the Scouse actor reflected on his dad being his biggest supporter.
“They supported me throughout everything,” he commented as he talked about his father.
Sharing the moment he told his dad about working with Robert De Niro on Martin Scorcese’s The Irishman, he recalled: “I had posters on my wall of Taxi Driver that my dad had got me.”
“And then you went on to work with him,” host North pointed out.
“Can you imagine…” Graham began before Welby enthused: “Telling your dad.”
“Can you imagine what that phone call was like?” the actor exclaimed.
“I actually can’t, it must have been the proudest moment,” Welby remarked.
Recalling the conversation, Graham shared: “I went, ‘Dad, you’ll never guess who I’m going to be working with,’ and he’s like, ‘Who?’ and I went, ‘Marty’s asked me to do a film again,’ and he’s like, ‘That’s amazing son!’
“And I went, ‘Yeah’,” as he became tearful, Graham admitted: “Woah…I’ve gone!”
Rubbing his eyes, he continued: “My dad… You know, he proper backed me. And my mum. They supported me throughout everything.”