Miriam Margolyes and Lesley Joseph have signed up to Celebrity Gogglebox, it was announced on Thursday.
The TV legends will be taking to the sofa to give their thoughts on the latest TV programmes for the Stand Up To Cancer special.
Channel 4 has confirmed the household names, and best friends, will be appearing for the first time in the episode which will air on Friday.
Speaking ahead of her appearance, Miriam said: ‘When they asked me to do Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer, I thought, “Well, if I can watch television and raise money for a wonderful cause, count me in!”
‘What could be better than that – and doing it with my brilliant old friend of nearly 40 years – Lesley Joseph?’
Miriam Margolyes and Lesley Joseph have signed up to Celebrity Gogglebox as ‘partners in crime’ for an upcoming episode
Speaking ahead of her appearance, Miriam said: ‘Stand Up to Cancer does vital work, and if we two old birds can help towards that – just show me the sofa, I’m all for it’
Miriam added: ‘She’s wise and funny and knows everyone; a perfect partner in crime.
‘Also, Stand Up to Cancer does vital work, and if we two old birds can help towards that – just show me the sofa, I’m all for it.’
Lesley said: ‘What a joy it is to be doing Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer this year, as it’s such a vital cause and tangibly changes lives. And what fun it’ll be to sit and watch some TV with Miriam Margolyes.
‘I’m sure she’ll have plenty of outrageous things to say, so I’ll be there trying to keep her in line – no easy task, mind you!’
Frank Skinner and David Baddiel will also be joining the upcoming episode.
‘I’ve been watching TV with David Baddiel for about 30 years. We used to laugh uncontrollably at infomercials and then Dave would actually buy the product,’ Frank said.
‘The only TV I refused to watch with him was stuff featuring me. He never laughed enough. Stand up to Cancer is an amazing cause and Dave and me, back on a sofa, seems a much better deal than cycling up K2, carrying a fridge to Istanbul or any of that other sweaty stuff that people do for charity.’
David Baddiel: ‘I’m a big fan of Gogglebox, Stand Up To Cancer, and Frank Skinner, so this wasn’t a difficult yes. If we can raise awareness and cash to fight this terrible disease, then it’s worth the enormous effort of slumping in front of the screen with my old friend and saying some stuff.’
Kristin Scott Thomas and Saskia Reeves are also among the star-studded line-up.
Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote the The Office with Ricky Gervais, will be sitting down with The Last Leg presenter Josh Widdicombe.
Stephen, 49, who has since starred in blockbusters Logan and Jojo Rabit alongside Scarlett Johansson, has said he isn’t usually much of a talker in front of the TV but is excited to join Josh.
He said: ‘I don’t usually allow talking when the TV is on, because I know how much hard work goes into making shows, so I try to give them my full attention.’
Elsewhere, two comedians have revealed they have signed up for Celebrity Gogglebox – Stephen Merchant and Josh Widdicombe
Frank Skinner and David Baddiel will also be joining the upcoming episode
Kristin Scott Thomas and Saskia Reeves are also among the star-studded line-up much to the delight of fans
Frank joked: ‘I’ve been watching TV with David Baddiel for about 30 years. We used to laugh uncontrollably at infomercials and then Dave would actually buy the product’
Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4, with all episodes available to stream on demand
Stephen added: ‘But I’m happy to break my own rule for Stand Up to Cancer and join the Gogglebox special this year with my pal Josh Widdicombe.’
Josh, who is a regular face on the stand-up circuit and has starred on a number of panel shows including QI and Taskmaster said: ‘The does fantastic work, raising for life-saving research, and it’s a privilege to be involved.
‘Stand Up to Cancer is an incredible cause so I am honoured to be involved. I love Stephen and particularly like working with him when we are sitting down so I don’t look like a hobbit next to him.’
Other stars have yet to be announced but in previous years the likes of Boiling Point actor Stephen Graham, comedian Bob Mortimer and singer Nicole Scherzinger.
Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4, with all episodes available to stream on demand.