Giles Wood and Mary Killen have been fan favourites on Gogglebox for years, charming audiences with their eccentric banter and often polarising opinions. While many enjoy their unique take on British television, the pair have also sparked their fair share of controversy. From questionable remarks to divisive viewpoints, here are some of the most talked-about moments involving Giles and Mary.
Mary’s Stephen Graham Comment
One of the more recent incidents that left viewers unimpressed involved Mary making a remark about actor Stephen Graham. While watching a programme featuring the acclaimed actor, Mary commented,
“This is incredible because Stephen Graham, you know that actor who always plays short northerners, he has co-written it.”
While Mary wasn’t entirely incorrect—Graham is from Merseyside and has starred in numerous gritty British dramas—her wording did not sit well with audiences. Many took to social media to express their disapproval:
“‘Always plays short northerners’ @Channel4 I’ll never stop praying for you to get rid of Giles and Mary. Unbearable. #Gogglebox” wrote one disgruntled viewer on X (formerly Twitter).
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user responding:
“He always plays short Northerners? Really?? Sheesh, Mary.”
Another posted:
“‘Short Northerners’ I beg your pardon!!”
The backlash was swift, with many criticising the remark as dismissive and unnecessarily reductive of Graham’s acclaimed body of work.
Giles’ Unfiltered Humour
Giles is no stranger to controversy himself, often making offbeat and at times inappropriate jokes that leave audiences divided. His dry humour, while beloved by some, has on occasion crossed the line for others.
One particularly eyebrow-raising moment occurred when Giles made an insensitive joke about the royal family during a discussion on Prince Philip’s passing. Though he claimed it was a light-hearted comment, some viewers felt it was in poor taste, leading to a social media backlash.
Another instance that ruffled feathers was when Giles jokingly referred to modern art as “something a chimp could throw together in an afternoon”. While meant to be humorous, it drew criticism from those who saw it as dismissive of contemporary artists and their work.
Mary’s Take on Feminism
Killen has written extensively on manners, social behaviour, and lifestyle, contributing to publications like The Spectator and Tatler. She has also authored books on etiquette, offering insights into proper conduct and social grace.
Killen has also ruffled feathers with her traditional views, particularly regarding feminism and gender roles. In one episode, she expressed her belief that modern feminism has gone “too far”, suggesting that women should embrace traditional homemaker roles. This led to a fiery debate online, with some supporting her perspective while others criticised it as outdated.
Their Divisive Political Commentary
Over the years, Giles and Mary have made comments that hint at their political leanings, which have sometimes irked viewers. While they often avoid outright declarations, subtle remarks on Brexit and other socio-political issues have led to speculation and frustration among some sections of the audience.
For instance, Giles once quipped during a discussion on Brexit, “I rather like the idea of taking back control, though I’m not entirely sure what we’re taking control of.” The comment was met with mixed reactions, with some viewers interpreting it as support for Brexit, while others saw it as a tongue-in-cheek critique.
Mary, on the other hand, has openly expressed disdain for political correctness, once stating, “The world was much simpler before people had to tiptoe around every subject for fear of offending someone.” While some viewers agreed with her, others felt it was dismissive of necessary social progress.
Love Them or Loathe Them
Despite the controversies, Giles and Mary remain one of the most recognisable and talked-about duos on Gogglebox. Their quirky dynamic continues to entertain, even if it occasionally stirs the pot. Whether they are delighting viewers with their unique observations or causing frustration with their remarks, one thing is certain—Giles and Mary will always be a topic of discussion.
