Gogglebox’s Jenny Newby is a firm favourite on the show – but she has faced several heartbreaking health struggles over the years.

Jenny first joined the Channel 4 show back in 2014 with best pal Lee Riley. Over the years, the Hull-based pair – who have been friends for more than 25 years – have had viewers in stitches thanks to their hilarious one-liners.

However, away from the programme though, Jenny has faced several health battles and has opened up about them over the years.

In 2018, Jenny revealed she has been battling with arthritis. Before watching an advert, made by the charity Versus Arthritis, Jenny revealed that she had the condition saying: “I’ve got arthritis.”

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They joined the show over 10 years ago(Image: Channel 4)

She explained: “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.”

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In a press release following the advert, beloved star Jenny added: “I’ve suffered with arthritis for a while now. I think something people don’t realise is the impact the condition has on simple everyday life.”

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Jenny has been open about her health(Image: Channel 4)

She went on: “I really do think we should change that by being able to talk about it openly. It’s really important to me.”

And in 2022, co-star Lee revealed Jenny “is not very well” and was in hospital following an operation. Speaking to the Daily Star from the BAFTA red carpet, Lee confirmed: “She is not very well, she is having an operation, a mini one, but she is recovering well though.”

He continued: “She was invited but the appointment was in Bafta week. You can’t turn down an NHS operation can you? But she is doing well.”

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She had to have an operation a few years ago(Image: Instagram/jennyandlee_gogglebox)

Lee also revealed to The Sun that Jenny’s operation was “minor” and that she would be watching [the Bafta Awards] from her hospital bed.

A month later, and Jenny revealed to fans she was out of hospital and on the mend. Taking to her joint Instagram with Lee, Jenny thanked fans for all the well-wishes they received.

On the video Lee said: “You’ll never guess who I’ve just bumped into, she’s out of hospital”. A beaming Lee then panned to Jenny waving at the camera.

Since her surgery, Jenny has been open about her health journey, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed. She continues to share moments of her life with Lee on Instagram, delighting fans with their humor and warmth, while also raising awareness about living with chronic conditions. Despite the challenges, Jenny’s resilience and positivity shine through, showing that even when facing health issues, laughter and friendship remain at the heart of her life.