New Life, New Home
After five years of being a familiar face on Gogglebox, Chris Ashby-Steed is ready to leave his television days behind. The 45-year-old hairdresser, who appeared on the Channel 4 reality show with his ex-boyfriend Stephen Webb, has embarked on a new life in Wales. Chris and his husband Tony Ashby-Steed, 52, have purchased a stunning family home in Newcastle Emlyn and have exciting plans to rent four guest bedrooms on AirBnB.
Escaping the Past
For Chris, the decision to move away from Brighton, his previous residence, involves more than just a change of scenery. He explained to WalesOnline, "I had the memories of Gogglebox there too and I wanted to eliminate those." His time on the show caused him to struggle with issues of impostor syndrome and affected his mental health. Chris felt like he was constantly pretending, leading to anxiety and fear of judgment from others.
A Fresh Start and a Tragic Loss
Chris and Tony's move to Wales was also influenced by tragedy. Tony's mother passed away in 2021 after a two-year battle with a double brain bleed. In her final months, she contracted COVID-19 while receiving palliative care. This devastating event prompted the couple to seek a new beginning and embrace life to the fullest.
Discovering a Hidden Gem
During their search for a rural location to settle down, Chris and Tony stumbled upon Newcastle Emlyn, a town they liken to the beauty of Devon and Cornwall. The couple had no prior knowledge of the area but immediately fell in love with both the house and the surroundings.
The End of an Era
As Chris starts his new chapter, his ex-boyfriend Stephen Webb and Stephen's husband Daniel Lustig, who replaced Chris on Gogglebox, have also decided to leave the show and pursue new opportunities. With their departure, it truly marks the end of an era for this popular reality series.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://thecelebreport.com/television/bbc-axed-longrunning-show-eating-with-my-ex