June Bernicoff tells us more about her new book Leon and June: Our Story

Interview with June

I have been fortunate enough to interview June Bernicoff about her new book June and Leon, which is available to buy now, and received some wonderful video footage of her answering the questions, which can be seen below. As many of you know June and Leon were, and still are, a bellowed couple from the channel four show Gogglebox, where they have entertained and warmed the hearts of thousands. Her new book is sure to be a wonderful read and tribute to her life with her late husband. Sharing 63 years on this planet together I can guarantee there are some seriously good stories, filled with truth and realism. I know readers will be able to take away love, laughter and life lessons from this book. June, thank you for this interview, we wish you all the best.

I bet writing this book has brought back a lot of memories for you, any chapter or story that is your favourite?

Had you been planning this book for long, was it something you had always wanted to do?



I know you keep your fans updated on social media, did you ever think you and Leon were going to be so successful?



Has writing this spurred you on, is there going to be any other novels on their way?



What was it like to meet Leon for the first time?



June‘s book about her life with her lovely husband, the late Leon, is out now, a highly recommended read. Thank you for your time and the memories June. We wish you nothing but happiness in your future.

That’s a quality bit of kit, Gogglebox.

This week’s Gogglebox brought its fans viewings of Britain’s Got Talent, The Shining and the fabulous Sir David Attenborough and the Queen sharing their passion for gardens and saving the planet. Fans, this week, got to see some serious hula hooping skills and Dave the dog was putting other dogs and humans to shame by ringing a bell for a biscuit. 

The episode started off with Britain’s got Talent, with the delightful duo Ant and Dec, with everyone showing their support for Ant. “Are those dwarfs?” – no they’re little children Mary, hilarious mistake. The great thing about BGT is that is allows everyone to be a judge and critic performances, so our Armchair critics were on point, especially enjoying the act where a man pulls way a cloth, to balance cups of tea on his naked body. Let’s all face it, we wanted to see some rude parts.

“Is this going to be a shit Dragon’s Den?” – Our Leeds lovely said exactly what my friends and I were thinking when the new show Buy It Now was introduced. Some interesting inventions/ideas/products, with mixed comments coming from our favourite families. I don’t think I’ll be buy a heated knife anytime soon.

Giles and Mary having their house spiritually cleansed is my favourite thing of all time. Yes, get rid of those bad vibes! Feeling inspired, might have to get someone in.

The Yorkshire Vet is a programme that usually brings audiences to tears, except when we’re watching our Gogglebox families watching and talking it. Talking about but-plugs and exciting pulsating toys. Everyone was screaming at the bull’s penis, as was I!

The Queen’s Green Planet, was a wonderful story of the Queens passion for trees and nature. This was an insight into the Queens life and passions, where we saw that she is a very dominant character. Everyone watching was very respectful, which was lovely to see.

As this episode went into its second half, our stars learnt that stars in the sky, can sing. Stars vibrations can be turned into sound. This fascinated everyone, including my family and friends. Mary humming an impression of the sounds of stars and saying, “what a load of rubbish”, will speak to a lot of fans out there. Good balance.

The strikes in Syria was hot in the news this week and will be for the foreseeable future. Gogglefox stars all turned to having a serious and sombre tone when talking about the governments decision to use striking action. It's great that this show can expression the silly and the serious and display different opinions and thoughts. 

This episode ended with one of the best films of our time, The Shining. A classic horror film. Intense and suspense leads this films, and the only person talking was Giles... 

Another fantastic, fun week for Gogglebox. Don’t forget to Facebook and Tweet us your favourite moments from this week’s episode.

Happy watching Gogglebox fans!

Leon and June: Our Story.

Our beloved Gogglebox star June has announced that she has written a book called Leon and June: Our Story, a story celebrating their wonderful life together. I am sure this will be a remarkable, fun, story filled with love, laughs and light banter.

The book will look back on their life together, after meeting in 1955 at a teacher training college. It will discuss their fight to marry, life in 1960s Liverpool and finding fame in their retirement.

The famous Liverpool pair, June and Leon, were together for sixty years, and were the first couple to be cast on Gogglebox in 2013. I can safely say that Channel 4 made a brilliant casting choice as they have entertained audiences from the first show and found a place in millions of hearts. The pair contributed to the show winning a BAFTA in 2014, a remarkable achievement.

Family, friends and fans sadly lost Leon last December after a short illness. June decided not to continue taking part in Gogglebox, understandably. Although, June still interacts with nearly a quarter of a million followers on Twitter.

"Leon often said he'd like to write our story. So now I can do it for him,” – what an inspiring sentiment. We all long for a love story like this.

Leon and June are both sadly missed on the show, and we wish June all the best success with this book, I know I will be one of the first to read it.

Wet Knicker Walk for Gogglebox!

This week took off with some awful singing and sloppy eating. All our Gogglebox armchair critics had an expression to pull and judgements to give when watching some novice singers.

It has been an exciting week for football with drama and delights everywhere, all the lads getting upbeat and excited, with the women (not wanting to sound sexist) looking quite bored. Personally, Italian football had me hooked this week. Especially the Captain of the Roma team backward rolling into a fountain.

“If it’s not from Yorkshire, it’s sh*te” – our lovely Leeds lasses couldn’t have said it any better. Everyone was laughing at John Prescot being taught how to put chocolates into a box. A job for someone quick with slim fingers, not a “fat fingered f”ck” as the Malone family put it, had my friends and I screaming laughing.

Did anyone else try the finger thing like the Siddiqui family? My friend poked me in the eye, so thanks for that fun little game.

The Andrew Marr Show had everyone discussing Facebook, calling it “sneakily radicalisation”. The majority of our Gogglebox stars showed worry and concern about their data being shared. Although, they, this page and myself rely on this social media site for our hobbies and careers, so it is a difficult topic.

BBC4 showed The Sky at Night, who’s presenter had a very strong, posh, accent which had our Gogglebox stars doing some very good impressions. The weather report from Mars confused everyone, but it was entertaining. “Enjoy your Martian day”. With it being -23 I doubt anyone will be booking a ticket to Mars anytime soon.

BBC launched a strange programme called ‘Sex Robots and Us’, which showed us all AI sex robots that are soon to be sold in the UK. Slightly awkward to watch with your family. Everyone had something to say about the sex dolls penis size, mostly laughing at the idea of it all.

The final part of this episode focused on the tense, final episode of ‘Marcella’, which had everyone on edge. The episode was graphic and disturbing, making everyone cringe and twinge at the suspense. You know it is good television when everyone has a physical reaction and response to a scene. Giles and Mary saying the didn’t want to watch it and then both look directly at the television screen, is all of us.

Again, another excellent episode, combining comedy, critiquing and cringe. Can’t wait for next week’s episode.

Don’t forget to Tweet and Facebook us your favourite moments from tonight’s episode!

Sinful Tiddlywinks and Happy Easter from Gogglebox!

This week our Gogglebox critics entertained audiences all over the UK with their friendly, genuine reactions and wit.

First, we learned that Giles is a post thief and that Mary can have a quiet hard side. I don’t blame her, touching other’s peoples post should be an illegal offence. Especially if they throw your tickets away. I’d have called for divorce.

Boxing caused discussion of if it should be a women’s sport, to which my household agreed yes, yet everyone seemed very into the celebrity boxing match for Sport Relief. Hilarity struck when Jenny comparing the winning belt to one she used to exercise with.

Andy Murray and Gogglebox fans were naming all the Spice Girls, with Gerri taking a cheeky peek at his tiddlywink! There’s probably better to check out Gerri but go for it girl. Mary and Marina said they’d want Bradley Walsh at the end of their bed, because they bet he’d have a good bedside manner. Personally, Zac Efron or James Franco would be my choice, but I bet they’re too busy too.

When Top Gear is on, the women must be silent, that’s probably easy because some would be half bored by the programme. Although those sexy, fast cars they were presenting certainly impressed our Gogglebox stars!

No one seemed impressed with the morning rose bath in India or inspired to go, but the new research into turning your files into DNA had everyone thinking and debating what they think the future will hold for humans and technology.

The tense new drama based in Ireland had everyone excited and intrigued. The first episode had everyone giving advice on what to do and what not to do on a first date. All agreeing that the lead was a bit too intense.

The final section of this episode was concerned with politics, showing a variety of opinions from the variety of people on Gogglebox. This show is always a platform where opinions and views can be expressed and questioned freely. A specific reason why this show is so good.

Best friends, enjoying a cup of tea, watching television and having a good chat is exactly what makes life worth living, and all our ladies from Leeds always show this. Especially when a good film is involved. The Bodyguard was the film of the week on Sunday, with the beautifully talented Whitney Houston, a fantastic film and musical if you haven’t seen it. Ending this episode on a dramatic high. With the signature song and signature kiss.

This was another great episode in, what is proving to be an excellent season for Gogglebox.

Don’t forget to Facebook and Tweet us your favourite moments from tonight’s episode!

Total eclipse of the Heart for Gogglebox.

This week brings our favourite armchair critics enjoying singing sensations, or as Mary’s mother would say “could she not sing something with a tune to it”, politics and various dating programmes.

Steven, his perverted hair, mother and dogs had some lovely dance moves and impressions, watching Jane McDonald’s show this week. Which has mixed reactions. Then, “who the f*ck Is she?” said by a confuse Ralf, was a hilarious question. Being from Wakefield, I feel I should defend Jane. We all love her in the North. It was so sweet that Mary looked so proud when Giles said Bonnie Tyler looked like Mary, I can see it too.

Jenny and Lee defying odds, by breathing through their nose whilst sticking their tongue out, was hilarious to look at and had my family, friends and I trying it ourselves at home. We couldn’t tell if it were joke or not.

Russia have been the centre of attention this week and it’s great how the Michael family are always so politically invested and confident with their opinions, they make me want to sit and have a debate with them. They’re a serious tone compared to Mary who compared the Russian Politicians last name ‘Chizshov’ to ‘sh*tshop’ which had me in hysterics. The Russian smirking whilst talking had the families unable to take the interview seriously, and unable to make formed opinions and decisions. Then, the realisation that the Tory party had been taking money from Russia was a giant shock, which lead to a more serious tone. With everyone engaged. Game, set and match. The debate on what further actions are going to be taken with Russia, continues.

Friday brought the winter Paralympics, with mixed reactions to curling. With some asking if it’s like bowling on ice, if it’s a good sport, what is it? I think half of them pretended to know what was going on, until the suspected fowl of the curling bowl hitting the wheelchair.

The sewing programme has everyone practically asleep, including myself.  So, we will slowly move on from that, but if you are keen to a bit of sewing please Tweet and Facebook us your wonderful creations. Maybe some fan art for our Gogglebox stars.

Seven Year Swap had everyone riled up with the couple’s behaviour behind their significant others back. Everyone agreed that the show was stirring and causing trouble. It’s not a show I would appear on, but I am glad to see everyone united on the views of cheating – that it’s wrong and you shouldn’t be with someone if you’re going to cheat on them.

The final section of our 5th episode left us with the Worlds ugliest animals, but everyone was more focused with the presents hair. That resembled Ken Dodd. Until some ugly mutts came on the screen which had everyone on Gogglebox squirming and giggling.

Again, another fabulous episode from a great series.

Don’t forget to Tweet and Facebook us your favourite bits from tonight’s Episode.

Gogglebox reactions to One Born every Minute was hilarious!

Starting off with Betsy the dog playing on the iPad, this week’s Gogglebox was filled with fancy fun and tearful goodbyes.

In the first five minutes Mary said: “I shouldn’t have thought he’d want to go there again” which is probably my favourite quote of the evening, when talking about the programme One Born every Minute, saying she wouldn’t want her partner in the room – I might have to agree there, Mary.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the programme celebrating the life of Sir Bruce, it was a wonderful programme, that had our Gogglebox stars singing away and high kicking like Michael Ball, just as gracefully too.

The current political drama amongst Russia and the poisoning of a Spy and his daughter has led to extreme measures threatening to be taken, which caused a great political debate amongst our Goggleboxers this evening. What are your thoughts? We’re already aware that the Royals will not attend the World Cup in Russia this year, this is where the tension lies. Will this effect our people who might go to Russia to watch the world cup? Let’s hope not!

One Born Every Minute either makes you feel broody or it makes you feel sick. Everyone looked uncomfortable and began making awkward jokes, then burst into hysterics when one husband passed out during his partners Labour. “Typical Man, weak fool” – Yes Mary, couldn’t agree more. The woman in labour was making some questionable noises, like a peacock and Chewbacca from Star Wars, but everyone felt love and awe and shared stories once they saw the new baby in its mother’s arms.

Friday ITV brought the news that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will be meeting. He is the first president in US history to meet with the leader of North Korea. This will be two ego’s battling in a room. Another political topic that had our Gogglebox critics talking, expressing their fears mixed with their wonderful sense of humour.

Jenny and Lee with Jenny’s new Eye-mask comparing it to a gimp mask was hilarious. The style of a cow, with space for the eye’s, it isn’t something I’d want to sleep in.

Troy: Fall of a city has become a show that we’re all invested in this season, showing gripping fight scenes and dramatic dialogue. Lee trying to keep the sun out of his eyes, the sun on the screen, was one spectacular, hilarious moment for me. Sorry Lee, it wasn’t a sun in real time that you could block out.

The final section of our show has everyone watching the world’s most extraordinary hotels, having us debate if we go on holiday for wellness or to party and get fat basically. I’m for both. I’d like a spa day followed by a cocktail night. A show to showcase the ridiculousness of the superrich, or people with more money than sense.

Then ending with Match of the Day, with that iconic tune that we love and hate. Football has an effect where it brings out the aggression and hostility in everyone. Luckily, for me, I find it entertaining. Just like I find Gogglebox entertaining.

Another great episode in this season, can’t wait for next week.

Don’t forget to Tweet and Facebook us your best bits.

Happy watching Gogglebox fans.

Frostbite and Chapped Lips for Gogglebox

Linda and Peter start off the episode with an exotic looking chicken on their knees. Why not? Makes a change from the poodles and cats.

Tonight’s episode was incredibly vocal, with some fabulous dancing and singing renditions to “I’m every woman” – You must watch Jenny’s reactions to Lee’s dancing and her brutal honestly about what she’s watching.  Then Mary (and Marina) stole the show, singing Frank Sinatra’s I did it my way which melted my heart. This was after spilling her popcorn.

However, my question for you Gogglebox fans is, can you yodel? Watching this episode my family and I had a good go at it, including our dogs. I’m surprised we haven’t got a noise complaint to be honest.

The Great Stand Up to Cancer, Celebrity Bake off was incredibly funny and heartfelt. Martin’s over-confidence with his cupcakes and mix-up with cooking the buttercream has our armchair critics laughing and slightly disappointed. I think a Gogglebox Bake off should be in the works after how critical they were.

By Wednesday our families were critiquing architecture and designing their own house, and we discovered that Jenny keeps his biscuits in the breadbin because they were too big for the normal jar.  

I do love how each family had an opinion on politics and Brexit, and this programme becomes a way for freedom of speech, and place where audiences can hear and see different opinions and expectations from our Prime minster, Parliament and future. What makes this show great is that it is multicultural with families from all different types of backgrounds, with different experiences and views.

The episode ended with everyone watching and getting excited over Dancing on Ice, a programme I am so happy came back. The final filthy line of ‘chapped lips’ just left me screaming laughing.

Again, for a third time in a row, this series has provided great humour, entertainment and I can’t wait for next week.

Don’t forget to tweet and Facebook us your favourite quotes and moments.

Happy Watching Gogglebox fans!

Gogglebox celebrates 5 years on our screens! Rank your favourites!

Gogglebox has officially been on our screens for 5 years!, as 7 March 2018 marks five years since the show that watches people watching telly debuted on Channel 4.

During that time, we’ve been introduced to a whole host of faces as they’ve given their opinions on Great British TV.

Below, we’ve listed the families who have appeared over the years, and you can pick yourby hitting the ‘vote’ button on the ones you love.

Snowmageddon week for Gogglebox

“It’s smouldering”- It is. The second episode in season 11 follows strong as audiences are left laughing. This week’s Gogglebox had our favourite families on the edge of their seats, screaming, singing and seriously making us giggle.

It was great to see everyone dancing and singing to Kylie’s banger of a tune ‘Spinning Around’, apart from Giles and Mary. Who also admitted that they had never had a takeaway, made me incredibly hungry and then guilty for having so many in my life time. Quite a revelation. I might have to sneakily order one to their house as a present, just to see their reaction. I want to watch them eat/sample different takeaways and critique them. (New TV show idea Channel 4?)

Everyone loves the mystery of snapchat, which has had an incredible loss of over one Billion after Kylie Jenner tweeted she doesn’t use it, but it’s great to see opinions from a variety of ages on this show. Nudies – Don’t send nudes on snapchat, use the filters to scare and amuse your friends, people!

Celebrity Haunted Mansion was a featured programme on tonight’s episode, which separated the sceptics from the believers, causing confusion and amusement for our sofa spectators! Many, slowly became more and more paranoid, whilst others just rolled their eyes. Audiences at home can certainly relate to one of these reactions.

The second half of the episode opens with some hair style tips from Stephen and Pat, and from this the “Pinch and twist” could be the new “bend and snap”. I’ll be trying it tomorrow morning. Each family then had to watch ‘Point Break’ the 90’s cult classic, which had some mixed reviews. It’s not a personal favourite of mine. I prefer Jaws.

Troy, Fall of a City, was the final show featured in tonight’s episode, which is a gripping series, causing drama and suspense. We learned what was in the box, finally, and were left wanting more.

Another excellent show. Don’t forget to Facebook and Tweet us your favourite moments.

Happy Watching Gogglebox fans!

By Romey Norton