Jenny Newby, a beloved star of the Channel 4 show Gogglebox, has openly shared her ongoing health struggles following a recent hospital stay. Known for her engaging banter with best friend Lee Riley, Jenny has been a fixture on the series since its inception in 2014. Despite her cheerful demeanor on screen, she has faced significant health challenges over the years.
In 2018, Jenny revealed her battle with arthritis, a condition that has impacted her daily life in profound ways. After viewing an advertisement from the charity Versus Arthritis, she acknowledged her struggles, stating, “I’ve got arthritis.” She expressed her frustration with tasks that many take for granted, like fastening a coat or opening a can, saying: “I get more stressed now because I can’t fasten my coat. I can’t open a tin of beans and I’ve got to ask somebody. And that I think is the worst, when I have got to ask somebody because I feel like I am stupid.”
Jenny’s candor about her condition has raised awareness about the challenges faced by those with arthritis. She emphasized the importance of discussing these issues openly, noting, “I really do think we should change that by being able to talk about it openly. It’s really important to me.”
The situation took a serious turn when Lee shared an update in 2022, revealing that Jenny was hospitalised following a procedure. Speaking to the Daily Star at the BAFTA red carpet, he confirmed, “She is not very well, she is having an operation, a mini one, but she is recovering well though.” Lee added that Jenny could not attend the BAFTA ceremony due to her scheduled operation: “You can’t turn down an NHS operation, can you?”
Despite the challenges, Jenny’s spirits remained high. A month after her surgery, she announced her discharge from the hospital, expressing gratitude to her fans for their support. On her shared Instagram account with Lee, she appeared cheerful and appreciative, stating, “Thank you all for your kind well wishes, they’ve really cheered me up.”
Lee joined her on camera, exclaiming joyfully, “You’ll never guess who I’ve just bumped into, she’s out of hospital.” This moment of camaraderie showcased their enduring friendship, a highlight of the show that continues to resonate with viewers.
As Jenny continues her recovery, she remains a cherished figure on Gogglebox, where her humor and resilience have endeared her to audiences. The series airs on Fridays at 21:00 on Channel 4, providing a platform for Jenny and Lee’s entertaining commentary on television’s most notable moments.
