Josh Tapper, a familiar face from the Channel 4 series Gogglebox, has undergone significant changes since leaving the show nine years ago. Tapper, who first appeared on the programme at age 15 in 2013 alongside his family, has shifted from reality television to a budding political career. The Tapper family quickly became fan favourites, known for their humour and lively dynamics, but they departed the show in 2017 to pursue new opportunities.
In 2017, Tapper left Gogglebox to accept a Civil Service apprenticeship, marking a pivotal shift in his career path. His sister, Amy Tapper, followed suit in 2018, choosing to participate in the reality dating show Celebs Go Dating. A source close to the family informed the Mirror at the time, “Channel 4 will, of course, keep the door open for him, but it’s a really exciting opportunity for him.” Tapper began meetings within No.10, embracing his new professional journey.
Reflecting on his time on Gogglebox, Tapper shared insights with Jewish News in 2022. He described how the show “suddenly blew up out of nowhere” for him and his family. “I spent the next five years living that life while also trying to live a normal life,” he explained. The challenges of balancing filming with school were significant, as he noted, “My days were long as we were filming the scenes in addition to school.”
Political Ambitions and Recent Developments
In a notable career transition, Tapper announced his ambition to become a Labour MP in 2022. He was selected as the prospective candidate for Hertsmere, expressing his enthusiasm via X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’m thrilled and honoured to have been selected as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hertsmere,” he wrote. Following this, he began preparations to challenge the sitting Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, in the upcoming elections.
In 2024, Tapper was officially chosen as Labour’s candidate to contest the seat in Westminster, where he expressed feeling “thrilled and honoured” by the opportunity. Despite his efforts, he ultimately lost the election by a margin of 7,992 votes, marking a challenging chapter in his political aspirations.
On a personal front, Tapper celebrated a significant milestone by marrying his long-time girlfriend, Hannah, after nine years together. The couple’s nuptials, which took place in March 2025, were revealed by Amy Tapper, who shared heartfelt moments from the celebration. She wrote, “The New Mr and Mrs Tapper! No words to describe this incredible day from start to finish.” Her emotional post highlighted the joy of the occasion and welcomed Hannah into the family officially.
As Josh Tapper navigates his evolving career and personal life, his journey from a beloved television figure to a candidate in the political arena showcases a remarkable transformation. The community of Hertsmere and his supporters will be keen to observe his next steps as he continues to pursue his ambitions in public service.
