Beloved Channel 4 Gogglebox stalwart Dave has announced his retirement from his factory job after an impressive 42-year career.
The TV personality shared the news with his social media followers, posting a beaming photo of himself with colleagues outside his workplace.
Dave and his wife Shirley joined Gogglebox in its sixth series and quickly became fan-favourites with their witty commentary and warm personalities.
The couple from Caerphilly, Wales, also keep fans updated on their lives through social media, and this announcement was no different.
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“Saying goodbye to friends at work after 42years time to call it a day thanks everyone xxx #gogglebox #retirement,” Dave wrote in his heartfelt post on X. (sic)
The post quickly sparked concern with some fans who assumed he would also be retiring from TV as well.
“God, you’re not retiring from gogglebox are you??” one worried fan asked.
Another viewer expressed similar fears, writing: “Happy retirement dave please no retiring yet with gogglebox.”
Dave quickly made clear: “No I’m retiring from work.”
“Thank god for that! I would stop watching if you did. Love watching you both,” one responded to the clarification.
“Oh thank god we’d miss you two too much Best wishes for your retirement though!” another relieved fan declared.
A third fan flattered, writing: “Wow you’ve been working there since you were 8! … happy retirement”
“I wish!” Dave shot back with laughing emojis.
“How do you plan to use your days Dave?” someone else asked. The Gogglebox star revealed: “Shirley will keep me busy.”
Other fans simply wished Dave a happy retirement and told him how much he and his wife were loved on Gogglebox.
Some touchingly referred to David as “Dai” – the shortened version of the Welsh name Dafydd (David).
On Instagram, Dave also shared pics from his retirement do – which showed a crowd a well wishers surrounding the star outside a pub.
“Thanks to everyone for showing up for my retirement farewell love to all #gogglebox #friends #relax,” he added.
The news comes as the fan-favourite couple also celebrated Shirley’s 70th birthday on March 14.
Dave posted on their account: “Happy 70th to a lovely lady my wife #gogglebox #HAPPYBIRTHDAY xxx”
Alongside the message was a sweet picture of the pair sitting in a restaurant booth, both beaming, with Dave’s arm around his wife’s shoulders, alongside a collection of birthday balloons.
Recently, the Welsh duo showed solidarity with Manchester’s Tom Malone, the patriarch of Gogglebox’s similarly beloved Malone family, after he suffered an arm injury.
Tom shared his hospital experience on Instagram with humour: “Woke up with a nappy as a dressing, was caught off guard when the nurse said she had to change my nappy! Grateful to our NHS, top notch care thank you, home now!”
“Get well soon mate love Dave and Shirley xx,” they responded.
The Malones expressed gratitude for their support, replying: “Thank you xxx he’s well topped up on pain killers.” (sic)