Gogglebox’s Malone family break their silence on missing first episode of new series as they reveal future on the show

Gogglebox's Malone family have broken their silence on why they weren't in the first episode of the new series - and have revealed they won't be on the next one either.

The 20th series of the Channel 4 show returned to our screens on Friday - but worried fans pointed out that the popular northern family were missing.

Mum Julie, dad Tom Snr and their kids Shaun and Vanessa checked in on Instagram to update fans on where they are.

Standing in front of the Spaceship Earth attraction at Walt Disney World, Tom Snr said: "Here we are on holiday.

"Jesus Christ you wouldn't feel like you're on holiday with this lot, I can tell you that."

"Right, we're in Florida so we're not there for the first couple of shows are we," as he looked at his wife Julie for reassurance.

He then joked that they were standing in front of the Menai Bridge in Anglesey.

Julie chimed in: "I thought that was Blackpool Tower?"

Tom looked back at the landmark and said: "I stand corrected, Blackpool Tower!

"See you in a couple of weeks, enjoy the show! Starts without us, but we'll be back soon."

The family captioned the post: "See you soon!"

Fans rushed to the comments section to share their relief that they are all okay.

One said: "Thank goodness!! We panicked last night that you weren’t going to be in it anymore…"

Another wrote: "Missed you on Gogglebox. Hurry back."

"Enjoy, first show was good last night but I was wondering where you all were," a third added.

On Friday fans were worried when they didn't appear on the first episode.

The Malones have been regulars on the show since its fourth series.

One worried viewer said on Twitter: "Where are The Malones? Hope they haven’t left the show."

Others asked: "Where are the Malones?!" and "What's happened to the malones?"