Gogglebox Stars Anastasia and Faye: More Than Just Sofa Critics
Australia’s favourite armchair critics are back, with beloved personalities Anastasia Katselas and Faye Kontos returning for another gripping season of Gogglebox. For over a decade, these close friends have invited viewers into their homes, offering sharp wit and heartfelt commentary on the week’s television. But Anastasia’s journey to the small screen wasn’t always a straight path, and a childhood audition could have seen her pursuing a very different career.
“Growing up, I always said that one day I’m going to be on TV and I’m going to be famous,” Anastasia, 62, recalls. Her childhood ambition nearly took flight at the tender age of nine when she auditioned for the iconic Australian drama Matlock Police. “I was going to be Sergeant Maddern’s daughter, but I failed the test,” she explains. “When the camera went on me, I couldn’t say my words. I was very shy when I was young.”
Despite this early setback, Anastasia’s innate desire for the spotlight eventually found its perfect outlet. Gogglebox has provided the platform for her to achieve her dream, and she and Faye are gearing up for their 23rd season of sharing their unfiltered opinions from the comfort of their lounge. This enduring partnership has weathered significant storms over the past 11 years, revealing a depth to their on-screen camaraderie that resonates deeply with audiences.
Faye, also 62, has faced profound personal losses. In 2018, she lost her partner, Tony, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Just over a year ago, her brother tragically passed away at the age of 53 from a massive heart attack. “He was super fit, so it was a massive shock to us all and still is,” Faye shares, her voice tinged with ongoing grief.
During Tony’s illness, the familiar routine of filming Gogglebox provided a much-needed respite. “All I did was go hospital, home, hospital, home, work,” Faye remembers. “So it was good to come out to Gogglebox and sit down and watch TV with a friend. It actually de-stressed me a bit and made my mind settle down a bit. And being with Anastasia, she’s a funny chick. She makes me laugh all the time.” Anastasia, ever the quick wit, interjects, “You’re funny too. You’re not as funny as me, but you’re funny.” Faye playfully retorts, “I’m funny in different ways. I’m ha-ha funny, not weird funny!”
Anastasia herself has recently navigated her own serious health battle. Last year, she was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus and required emergency surgery. “In August, when we started filming, I had just had a hysterectomy,” she reveals. “We’ve had a lot going on in our personal lives, yet we still roll up and smile and laugh. And no one would ever know that there’s anything wrong.” Anastasia acknowledges she is “still in pain,” but remains optimistic, stating, “But the doctor says that that’s normal. I’m not out of the woods yet. I’ve still got to go for my check-ups.” Faye offers unwavering support, “You’ll be fine. You’re doing all the right things, so why not?”
The hysterectomy was the second significant medical procedure Anastasia underwent last year. Prior to that, in February, she had gastric sleeve surgery, which led to a remarkable 40kg weight loss. Faye expresses her pride in Anastasia’s commitment to her well-being: “I’m glad she’s had it done, to continue to look after herself. It gives her a boost and a kick.” Anastasia agrees, “It does, actually. And I was going to get my tummy tucked, but I don’t know if I can put my body through another operation.”
As a new season of Gogglebox commences, Anastasia and Faye are particularly excited to dissect the latest instalment of Married At First Sight. “It’s a trainwreck, but you love it,” Anastasia enthuses. “They’re desperate for fame, like we were.” Faye quickly refutes this, “No, we weren’t!”
While Anastasia’s childhood dream was always to be on television, Faye admits to a different on-screen experience. She confesses to cringing “all the time” when watching herself on Gogglebox. “I hate seeing myself on TV,” she admits. “The first season I actually didn’t watch. Anastasia made me sit through some episodes near the end.”
It was during that inaugural season that Anastasia and Faye received a powerful message from a viewer that underscored the true impact of their show. A woman, having just returned from a funeral with her family, turned on the television and saw Anastasia and Faye on screen. “They all just cracked up laughing,” Faye recounts. “She messaged and said, ‘Thank you for making us all happy, because we had such a terrible day.’” Anastasia, with her characteristic humour, jokes, “I can’t remember that. I can’t remember what I did yesterday.” Faye, however, holds the memory dear: “I’ll never forget it. That made me feel good and I thought, ‘Yes, this is why we’re doing it.’” Their shared experiences, both joyful and challenging, continue to fuel their enduring presence on our screens.
