Gogglebox favourite Sid Siddiqui, who has appeared on the Channel 4 show since 2013, is understood to be raising eyebrows at his job for appearing on the series while signed off with stress.
The 80-year-old grandfather appears on the show with his three sons, Baasit, Umar and Raza.
The family are a much-loved feature of the show thanks to the witty comments they deliver as they watch the week’s television.
Mr Siddiqui also works for the NHS as a health service environmental manager and is thought to be on a three shift per week schedule.
However, the pensioner is also understood to be on leave on mental health grounds since July.
While the show is separate from his work, The Mail Online reports some of his colleagues are un-impressed by his continued appearances on the series amid his absences from work.
One insider at the Derbyshire Community NHS Trust told the publication how staff had been left to “pick up the pieces” while Mr Siddiqui remains “on full pay” at home.
They added: “We’re all under massive pressure at work – we’ve hardly got any staff and we’re doing everything we can to keep things going.
Sid Siddiqui (right) is understood to have been signed off from his job
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CHANNEL 4
“We get home after a long day, put the telly on and there he is, laughing and joking on Gogglebox.
“He’s basically sat there with two fingers up at us while we’re picking up the pieces.”
Speaking to GB News, a Gogglebox spokesperson said: “The welfare of our contributors is always of paramount importance.
“Whilst it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on individuals’ health conditions, we can confirm that all necessary medical and employment permissions were given, with full support, for Mr Siddiqui to continue filming the Gogglebox series. Any suggestion to the contrary is categorically untrue.”
GB News has also reached out to a representative of Mr Siddiqui for a comment on the reports.
The Mail reports that the Googlebox favourite is understood to have sought permission from both the Channel 4 show and his employer to carry on filming whilst off work.
The publication reported how both confirmed because there was no conflict as the show is unrelated to Mr Siddiqui’s NHS job and filmed outside of working hours.
A source told the publication: “He has done all the appropriate checks with his employer and his doctor.
“They have both signed him off and agreed that whilst he’s off he can continue to film the show.
“From their point of view Gogglebox is not related to his job.
Gogglebox favourites The Siddiquis in 2016
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GETTY
“It’s not in his work environment and it’s not during normal working hours. And it’s also good for his well-being.”