Tom Malone Announces His Departure From Channel 4's Gogglebox

Tom Malone has announced that he is stepping back fromGoggleboxto pursue other opportunities within the world of telly.

Tom, who stars alongside his family from Manchester, delivered the news to his followers on Instagram, sharing a picture of himself standing in Manchester's Northern Quarter holding a sign that reads: "Back on the market. Get at me with any TV work."

At least he's got a plan for what he wants to do, then.

He wrote: "So after 6 and a half years it's finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye toGogglebox.

"I've loved every minute and I'm eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it's time to explore them."

"I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid.

"PS. Don't worry my family @themalonesgb and @shaunmalone95 will still be on the show to keep you guys entertained every Friday."

He concluded: "To the future."

The 26-year-old's decision comes just one day before the latest series ofGoggleboxis due to start.

He's been a part of the show since the fourth outing and has become a fan favourite alongside his dad - also Tom - his mum Julie, and brother Shaun.

If he's looking for work, he's got the right platform to seek it, having amassed more than 700,000 followers on his TikTok account and 9.6 million likes.

Couple that with his 261,000 Instagram followers, and there surely must be a way into future work with that CV behind him.

On top of that, Tom also devotes his time to working with a dance crew called Soul Mavericks, as well as other professional dancing work.

His mum Julie worked previously as a receptionist in a dance studio, and his brother Shaun has also worked in acting and dancing in the past, so it seems like the stage runs in the family.

It's not clear how much dancing Tom Sr. is capable of, however.

Don't worry folks, the dogs will still be joining the family every Friday night, and you only have until tomorrow evening to wait until the new series ofGoggleboxairs.

You can catch that new series this Friday on Channel 4.