A chance casting during lockdown turned Lisa Baggs’ life on its head - and four years on, the Dunmow mum is still coming to terms with her unexpected rise.
Best known for appearing alongside her family on Gogglebox between 2020 and 2022, Lisa admits she “still doesn’t believe” the career that followed.
“I’m smiling because I just can’t believe that we’re even having this conversation,” she said. “Who knew that Lisa Baggs would have a career at the age of 56?”
Lisa and her family were scouted for the hit Channel 4 show during the Covid-19 lockdown, going through a three-month process before being told on the day they had made it onto screens.
“That first night my phone just blew up,” she said. “It was just ridiculous. For me to be on prime time Channel 4 at 9pm on a Friday night - it was surreal.”
For Lisa, the experience marked a turning point.
After years spent raising her three sons, she had been preparing to return to more conventional work.
“I actually had applied to go to three different supermarkets to work because George had passed his driving test,” she said.
“I thought, well, he doesn’t need me anymore - I’m going back to work.”
Instead, television opened a completely different door.
“For the first time in my life, I’ve got a career apart from being a mum and a housewife - and that’s what I’ve loved about it,” she said.
“To actually earn a living out of being me, I have no idea why that works, but it does.”
Since leaving the show, Lisa has built a growing presence online, supported by her sons and a small team, including editor Bobby.
But she is quick to dispel any assumptions that the role is easy.
“People think you just rock up, but you have to post every day on your stories,” she said. “Sometimes I do struggle with getting enough varied content. I’m lucky I’ve got the boys to help me with ideas.”
The opportunities have also taken her into the world of showbiz events, something she admits she has embraced wholeheartedly.
“I just love doing all the red carpets,” she said. “When I went to the NTAs, you’re in that auditorium at the O2 and people are coming up to me going, ‘Oh my God, Lisa’ - and I’m like, how do you know who I am?”
Describing herself as a “social butterfly”, she added: “I come to life in that environment. I love getting dressed up and meeting people. Everyone just treats you like a normal human being.”
Despite the glitz, Lisa remains firmly grounded in Essex, where she has lived for 20 years.
“I’d like to think I do Essex proud,” she said. “I’m a normal, stay-at-home, work-from-home mum. I cook, I clean, do the ironing.”
Reflecting on the journey, Lisa believes the experience has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
“I would have been rattling around doing not very much and probably feeling quite unfulfilled,” she said. “It fills my days now - and it’s nice that I’ve got this - and who know where it'll end?”
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