[Denver]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...ped-channel-4/

HE has been a firm fixture on Gogglebox since series one, despite splitting up with his on-screen partner STEPHEN WEBB.

But Brighton-based hairdresser CHRIS BUTLAND-STEED’s time on the hit Channel 4 show is over.

I can reveal the fun-loving regular has been dropped for the new series and will instead be replaced by his former boyfriend’s mother.

Chris has been a favourite with fans and is one of the few people who has appeared in the series since it first started five years ago.

But he has fallen out with ex-lover Stephen who appeared with him on the sofa at Chris’s home in Hove, West Sussex.

A show source said: “It is a big move by the producers.

“Chris is the biggest star to leave the show since SCARLETT MOFFATT.

“Stephen has sorted out a deal with the producers. He can carry on appearing in the show with his mum — and that meant cutting out his ex.

“Chris had hoped he would be able to sort out a deal with another friend but it didn’t *work out and he will not be *featured in the new series.

“It will be interesting to see if Stephen works as well with his mum as he did with Chris.

"She has briefly appeared on the show but not for a full series.

“Chris is one of the show’s most flamboyant characters and he will be really missed.”

A C4 spokeswoman said: “Chris has decided to pursue other opportunities but we want to thank him for his fantastic contributions across ten series.”

Following the death of legend LEON BERNICOFF in December, it is thought *producers wanted to add older stars — and Stephen’s mum fits the bill.

Now only the Siddiqui family and the Tappers have been with the show since series one.

The Tappers are my favourite Gogglebox family by a country mile. Producers had better keep them happy and on board.