💔 For years, we laughed WITH her… never knowing the tears she hid off-camera. 💔

Gogglebox legend Jenny Newby — the witty, warm Hull icon who’s been our sofa companion since 2014 — has been secretly fighting a serious, heartbreaking health battle for years. 😢

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Jenny Newby and Lee Riley have been fixtures on British television for more than a decade, delighting millions with their sharp wit, no-nonsense opinions, and unbreakable friendship as they reacted to the week’s TV highlights from their Hull living room. But behind the laughter and iconic sofa moments on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, a quieter, more painful story has been unfolding — one of serious health struggles that Jenny has faced largely in private, supported unwaveringly by her devoted best friend Lee.

The pair joined the show in 2014, quickly becoming fan favorites for their honest, often hilarious takes on everything from soaps to reality TV. Their long-standing bond — forged long before the cameras arrived — has been a highlight of the series, with viewers tuning in as much for their camaraderie as for the commentary. Yet over the years, glimpses of Jenny’s health challenges have emerged, painting a picture of resilience amid ongoing battles.

In 2018, Jenny publicly revealed she had been living with arthritis for some time. Appearing in a charity advert for Versus Arthritis, she spoke candidly about the condition’s impact. “I’ve suffered with arthritis for a while now,” she said in a statement released alongside the campaign. “I think something people don’t realise is how much it can affect your daily life.” The moment was emotional for the Gogglebox cast and crew, with some reportedly in tears during filming as Jenny opened up about the pain and limitations the illness brought.

The revelation came as a surprise to many fans who saw only the lively, quick-witted Jenny on screen. Arthritis, a chronic condition causing joint inflammation and discomfort, can make simple tasks excruciating. Jenny’s willingness to share highlighted the often invisible nature of such illnesses, sparking wider conversations about hidden struggles among public figures.

Fast forward to 2022, and concerns escalated when Jenny was hospitalised following what was described as a “minor operation.” Co-star Lee Riley addressed fans directly, explaining their absence from episodes and the BAFTAs. “Jenny is not very well,” he told the Daily Star at the time, adding that she was recovering in hospital. Lee thanked supporters for their messages and promised updates, underscoring the depth of their friendship. He later shared on social media his gratitude for the outpouring of love, confirming Jenny’s gradual improvement but hinting at the toll the ordeal had taken.

Recent reports and fan discussions have suggested Jenny’s health issues may extend beyond arthritis and that one operation. Multiple outlets in late 2025 detailed her “sad health issues” and “awful condition,” with Lee continuing to provide quiet support. Sources close to the pair have described how Lee has been a constant presence — attending hospital appointments, helping with daily needs, and even moving in during tougher periods to ensure she wasn’t alone. “I couldn’t let her face it alone,” Lee reportedly shared in emotional reflections, emphasising their bond’s strength through adversity.

While specifics of any more recent or severe diagnosis remain private — with no confirmed reports of conditions like cancer — the narrative around Jenny’s struggle has grown more poignant. Social media posts and fan pages have amplified stories of her “secret battle,” with Lee’s words leaving viewers heartbroken. Phrases like “her time might be running out” have circulated in emotional tributes, though no official statements confirm such gravity. The duo’s loyalty shines through: Lee has repeatedly credited fans’ support for lifting Jenny’s spirits during recovery phases.

Gogglebox itself has occasionally reflected these real-life challenges. Episodes have included tender moments where the cast discusses loss and illness, including tributes to former participants who passed away. Jenny and Lee have spoken openly about grieving co-stars and family members, adding layers to their on-screen personas as relatable, empathetic friends navigating life’s highs and lows together.

The show’s format — ordinary people watching TV and reacting — has always blurred the line between public entertainment and personal life. For Jenny and Lee, that line has been tested repeatedly. Their Hull home, once just a backdrop for snarky reviews, became a place of healing and support off-camera. Lee’s role as caregiver has drawn admiration, with fans praising the authenticity of a friendship that endures beyond fame.

In updates shared around Christmas 2025, Jenny and Lee told followers they’d return to screens in February, wishing everyone well amid what appeared to be ongoing recovery. The message was warm but understated, a reminder that even Gogglebox stars face real-world battles away from the spotlight.

The broader Gogglebox family has seen its share of health tragedies. Other cast members have battled cancer, infections leading to near-death experiences, and conditions affecting speech or mobility. These stories humanise the show, showing that the people behind the reactions are just as vulnerable as anyone else.

For Jenny Newby, the journey has been one of quiet determination. From arthritis disclosures to hospital stays and Lee’s steadfast companionship, her story resonates as a testament to resilience and the power of true friendship. Fans continue to send messages of love and encouragement, hoping for positive updates as the pair prepares for their next season.

As Gogglebox heads into another year, viewers will no doubt watch Jenny and Lee with renewed appreciation — not just for their commentary, but for the strength they’ve shown off-screen. In an era of curated perfection, their realness stands out. The laughter may continue from the sofa, but the private battles remind us all that even beloved stars fight silent wars.

The public may never know every detail of Jenny’s health journey — and that’s her right. What is clear is the unwavering support from Lee Riley, a best friend who stepped up when it mattered most. In the end, it’s that bond — forged in laughter and tested in hardship — that keeps fans rooting for them both.