Fans of Gogglebox favourites Pete and Sophie Sandiford have been left in shock after learning the siblings’ uncle is children’s television entertainer Paul Chuckle.
Known formally as Paul Elliott, 77, he appeared on BBC programme ChuckleVision from 1987 to 2009 with his late brother Barry.
The children’s TV icon shared a throwback photo of himself with Pete and Sophie, both 30, on Instagram on Wednesday as he wished his niece a happy birthday.
He captioned the picture: ‘Happy 30th birthday my lovely grand niece Soph … you were only 24 here. Lots of love from us both [Paul and his wife Sue] xx’
Sophie replied to the heartfelt post: ‘Thank you uncle Paul and auntie sue❤️ love you both xxxx’
Pete and Sophie, from Blackpool, have been regulars on Gogglebox since 2018.
Paul Chuckle (far right) shared a throwback photo of himself with Gogglebox stars Pete (left) and Sophie Sandiford (right) who are his niece and nephew, on Instagram on Wednesday
Known formally as Paul Elliott, 77, (right) he appeared on BBC programme ChuckleVision from 1987 to 2009 with his late brother Barry (left, pictured in 1999)
Pete and Sophie, from Blackpool, have been regulars on Gogglebox since 2018
Fans flocked to the comments in disbelief about the duo’s famous uncle.
One said: ‘My mind is blown!! And now I’m just seeing how much Pete looks like Barry.’
Another commented: ‘Wow, I didn’t know they related them 2 siblings are related to Paul chuckle?!’
A fan joked: ‘Imagine Paul chuckle being your family member I would dieeeedd.’ [sic].
A fourth shocked fan said: ‘Omg I didn’t know you guys were related.’
Pete and Sophie’s other great uncle, Paul’s brother Barry, died after a battle with cancer at the age of 73 on 5 August 2018.
Sophie wrote on social media at the time: ‘A truly lovely and funny man to be around. You filled millions of childhoods with laughter and entertainment including mine and Peter’s.
‘You will be sadly missed by many. Rest in peace Uncle Barry. Lots of love from me, to you.’
Fans flocked to the comments in disbelief about the duo’s famous uncle
Sophie announced her engagement to boyfriend of three years Ben Mckeown in a sweet Instagram post last month
Sophie recently announced her engagement to boyfriend of three years Ben Mckeown in a sweet post last month.
The armchair critic beamed alongside her future husband as they enjoyed a glass of celebratory champagne.
She also proudly showed off her sapphire engagement ring which sat on a silver band surrounded by dazzling diamonds.
Another photo showed the couple wearing matching dressing gowns at the luxurious Galgorm Hotel in Ben’s native Northern Ireland, which may have been the location for the lavish proposal.
Sophie captioned the post: ‘WE’RE ENGAGED’.
Paul was first to offer his congratulations with a string of excited emojis.
Meanwhile fellow Gogglebox favourite’s Jenny and Lee gushed: ‘Congratulations to you both much love to ya Jenny and Lee x’
Meanwhile Pete’s wife Paige said: ‘The best news!!! So happy for you both’.
TOWIE’s Amy Childs added: ‘So happy for you’, while Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick wrote: ‘Yessssssss! Congratulations to you both’.
