Bedford-born superstar singer-songwriter, Tom Grennan, is adding a new string to his bow this evening (Friday) when he’s joined by his dad, Martin, in the new series of Celebrity Gogglebox.
Joining stalwarts of the show, including fellow father-and-son duo, Martin and Roman Kemp, the pair will be sharing their thoughts on the week’s best TV and we are certain the Irish craic will be flowing.
The Bedford Independent caught up with Mr Grennan Snr to find out what it’s like being part of the Gogglebox family and life as the dad of Bedford’s most famous son.
Firstly, we hope he’s able to keep his eyes open for tonight’s show…
“We do like watching TV as a family, but I normally end up snoozing,” revealed Martin.
“We mostly watch box sets and I can miss two or three episodes, but Clare, my wife, fills me in so I can keep up.”
He says that the recent Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran documentaries have really hit home, depicting what life is like for today’s pop stars and their families.
“We’re there,” said Martin. “It would be so easy for Tom to drift off; you’ve got to have good management to make sure you’re steered in the right direction. Tom’s manager, John, is like a brother and a father figure to him. We’re so lucky.”
Of course, it’s not just music that Tom is passionate about. A former Luton Town youth player, he represented England against the Rest of the World XI in the UNICEF SoccerAid match on Sunday (11 June), not only scoring a goal but earning himself man of the match (for the second year running) and performing his new single at half time.
“He’s a hugely hard worker,” said Martin.
“Whether it’s football, music, whatever he puts his mind to. It’s all worked out pretty damn good so far! He’s in great form at the moment and in his element at SoccerAid.
“As a Manchester Utd fan, it was unbelievable for him to play at Old Trafford alongside Paul Scholes. Robbie Keane came up to me afterwards and said I must be so proud of him.”
Asked how he feels when he sees Tom perform, Martin said Clare becomes more emotional than him, although he said that the old family photos that are projected behind the stage during his latest show “start pulling the strings, you know?”
So, what’s it like behind the scenes at Gogglebox?
“It’s just the same as chatting while watching TV at home. With the Irish, it’s easy to get us going, so I’m in my element. As soon as you enter the room you just forget the crew are there.
“Although most of the crew were Irish, so that helped. We haven’t put on any airs and graces, we’re definitely being ourselves.”
Martin, who at 61 is still working for his own construction company, said he didn’t imagine starting a new media career at this stage of his life.
“I just had visions of just work, work work,” he said.
“Clare says to me “you love it!” but I don’t; I don’t really give a damn, I’m just doing it for Tom. When I told him I was being interviewed by you, he said, “get you, being in the paper!”
Today also sees the launch of his new album, What Ifs and Maybes, so the former St Thomas More student has had a busy week.
“Tom’s keeping the Bedford flag flying,” said Martin. “He’s had so much support from everyone in Bedford, he’s having a whale of a time.”
You can watch Martin and Tom Grennan on Celebrity Gogglebox tonight on Channel 4 at 10pm.
