Gogglebox star Lee sad to leave boyfriend in Cyprus as he returns for filming

Gogglebox star Lee Riley had an emotional farewell to his boyfriend Steve Mail as he was forced to leave him in Cyprus and return to the UK to resume filming the Channel 4 show.

Lee is set to appear in the new series – along with his best pal Jenny Newby – from her Hull caravan later this month.

Taking to social media from the slightly more exotic setting of Cyprus, Lee shared with followers that he’d had to say goodbye to his partner of 26 years.

Lee and Steve both put on a brave face as they posed for a selfie in front of their hotel pool to capture the final moments of their holiday.

“Never tire of this peaceful and chilled idyllic hideaway thanks for a fabulous time Lee Riley safe journey back to Blighty.

“Love you to the moon and back #vounikinghotelandrestaurant #cyprus2020 #gogglebox #series16,” posted Steve.

Lee jetted out to Cyprus, where Steve lives, at the beginning of August.

Over the the last month, the pair have been living their best lives in the sunny resort and documenting their antics on social media.

Followers have seen the duo supping cocktails, dining at the plentiful restaurants on offer and hanging out at the beach.

Steve initially feared his partner wouldn’t be able to join him after the UK went into lockdown in March, but after regulations were eased Lee wasted no time in flying out to be with his beau.

Before that Lee had been fulfilling his Gogglebox commitments by moving into his pal Jenny’s caravan so they could continue filming the show together.

The popular Channel 4 show is set to return to screens on Friday September 11.

The format will return to usual after the stars were forced to adjust to social distance measures amid the coronavirus pandemic in the last run.

Tania admitted that it hadn’t been easy to keep the award-winning show running as restrictions and guidelines changed.

As the series came off air in July, she tweeted: “Huge THANK YOU for your kind messages re # Gogglebox and #CelebrityGogglebox.

“It really wasn’t easy getting this show to air every week during lockdown but ur support made it ALL worth it.

“Big shout out to the cast from both shows. AND my amazing team. See y’all on Sept 11th.”