By Dan Laurie
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Giles Wood and his spouse Mary Killen have emerged as Gogglebox favourites since they joined the Channel 4 programme’s line-up in 2015. The pair also maintain professional lives beyond the realm of entertainment , with Giles having already stepped back from work by the tender age of 21, not long after encountering Mary. Throughout one instalment of the beloved series, Giles remarked: “Just as I’m starting to enjoy my retirement” whilst they watched a documentary concerning the Coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, Mary shot back: “What retirement? You haven’t worked first. You retired at 21, so now you can start working – do it in reverse.” Giles possesses artistic flair and initially encountered Mary during their studies at Wimbledon Art School, reports the Manchester Evening News . His website reveals that the sofa commentator honed his skills under British painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling before developing his signature countryside scenes. His online platform indicates he focuses on interior works, relishing “painting the clutter of people’s lives”. Consequently, Giles has received commissions from notable figures including Henry Keswick, Robert Harris, Erskine Guinness, Robert Hiscox and Richard Ingrams. On his webpage, Giles explains: “I like the contemplative aspect – sitting for several days in a room, watching the light change. “There are as many changes as with a landscape. I always work in oils as they give more depth. The finished painting should offer an insight into the painter as well as the subject.” Giles has been using his Instagram account, followed by 18.5k fans, to showcase his stunning artwork. When he’s not filming Gogglebox or creating exquisite oil paintings, Giles’ Instagram bio reveals that he also pens articles for The Oldie, a monthly magazine. When Mary first crossed paths with Giles, she was working as a model but eventually transitioned into journalism, writing for high-profile publications like Tatler. Her career trajectory differs from Giles and she is most recognised for her role as an agony aunt at The Spectator. In addition to her column, the Gogglebox star has also authored several books and frequently contributes to a podcast series named Giles and Mary’s Oldie Newsround for The Oldie magazine. Mary was once the face of Heinz Soup in a 1970s advertising campaign and the pair have two children together. Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4 at 9pm
