AN OUTSPOKEN pensioner from Gwynedd is returning in a new season of the popular Welsh language version of Gogglebox.

Retired electrician John Williams, 80, who lives in Porthmadog, gained celebrity status with his hilarious, unvarnished views during the first series of Gogglebocs Cymru on S4C.

He’ll be teaming up once again with grandson Cian, 25, who’s expecting his grandad to get the lion’s share of the attention from the viewing public this time, too.

For the second series, the run has been extended from 11 to 15 episodes, which will be broadcast in two blocks.

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In addition there are five more groups  - families and friends – this year, giving producers a greater spread of opinion across a wide range of programmes.

Starting at 9pm on Wednesday, October 18, the first six shows will be broadcast in October and November, before taking a break.

It will return for a celebrity Christmas version on December 27, followed by a further eight episodes from February 14 next year, with the programmes again narrated by comedian and broadcaster Tudur Owen.

The show is being made by two Gwynedd-based television production companies, Cwmni Da, in Caernarfon, and Chwarel, from Criccieth.

TV location manager Cian said: “My grandad’s a local character and well-known around Porthmadog for his humour and it’s nice to share a bit of it because I always think he’s a wasted talent.”

John has a reputation for saying what he thinks which left his grandson sitting on the edge of his seat at times.

He added: “With the nature of his age, sometimes he has a different view of the world than I do – I’m so glad it’s not live!

“Wherever you are, it’s nice to look through people’s windows. The show’s not scripted and so people get to know you and when they do like you, it’s because of who you are.

“There’s a real mix from people learning Welsh to those who use it as a first language.

“It’s a great confidence boost for the people learning Welsh and for the people learning and watching this back home – I’ve seen lots of people on Twitter saying they’ve been watching Gogglebocs because they feel it makes it easier to learn the Welsh language.”

Series producer Huw Maredudd, of Cwmni Da, said: “There were some wonderful moments during the first series and some great comments were made about it on social media.

“The viewing figures were great and there were clear signs that the programmes we featured enjoyed a boost to their viewing figures as well.

"That the first series was so popular was thanks in no small part to the cast and the hard work of the crews and we are hoping the new series will be just as successful.

"We'll have more families and groups of friends but they won't all appear in every programme. We'll be giving them some time off.”

The new series of Gogglebocs Cymru will begin its run on S4C on Wednesday, October 18 at 9pm.

English subtitles will be available and the programme can also be viewed on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms.