Tom Malone Jr has announced that he has decided to leave Gogglebox ahead of the new series starting on Friday.

The 26-year-old dancer has been part of the show's lineup alongside dad Tom Sr, mum Julie and younger brother Shaun since the fourth series in 2014 but will not be joining them on the sofa moving forward.

The reason for Tom Jr's exit is unknown, although he recently revealed that his girlfriend has been subjected to vile racist abuse from online trolls.

Tom Jr made the announcement in a post on social media, which featured a pictured of him holding up a cardboard sign reading: "Back on the market. Get at me with any TV work."

"So after 6 and a half years it's finally time to put down the remote, and to say goodbye to Gogglebox," he wrote.

"I've loved every minute and I'm eternally grateful to @channel4 and @studiolambert for allowing me to be a part of the show. But new opportunities are knocking on the door and it's time to explore them.

"I look forward to enjoying the show as a viewer and not having to worry about having said something stupid."

Gogglebox returns to Channel 4 on Friday night at 9pm.