Former Gogglebox Star Sandra Martin Finds Stability in Funeral Parlor Job
Sandra Martin has led an exceptionally colorful life. After being one of the most highly-paid stars on the hit TV series Gogglebox, she has experienced homelessness and lost six relatives to COVID-19. Recently, however, Sandra has been enjoying a quieter and more stable life, enabling her to get back on her feet and no longer rely on government unemployment benefits.
Just last March, the 61-year-old revealed that she was accepting unemployment after going through several rough patches. Many were surprised to hear it and even questioned this because she earlier revealed during her Channel 4 stint that “she earned more than anybody else” on the show.
Despite her financial struggles, Sandra has remained focused on turning her life around. Three weeks ago, she secured a job and earned a salary as a cleaner in a friend’s funeral parlor.
In one of Sandra’s latest interviews, the TV star shared how she rejected work as a funeral parlor receptionist because she found the job too emotional. Instead, she preferred to pay her respects to those who have passed away by making sure that the premises of the funeral parlor are clean.
While conversing with a reporter for The Sun, Sandra said, “I’m 61 and a grandmother. Three weeks ago, I was on benefits and looking for work. Now, I’m going to be cleaning a funeral parlor after a friend opened one in Hastings.”
She also shared that she is scheduled to attend a training course on communication and confidence. This will help her move up from cleaning lady to receptionist once she has the required skills needed. For now, however, Sandra is happy and thankful to be a cleaner.
Sandra was originally from Brixton but is currently based in Hastings. She has been very open about being on and off benefits after her stint with Gogglebox ended in 2018. Apart from being a janitress and actress, she also worked at the Midlands train station. Sandra shared that one of the challenges of taking on regular work is she is constantly accosted by strangers who recognize her and ask to take selfies with her.
Her current job is a huge contrast from her former TV celebrity status, especially after confessing that she received higher wages than the rest of the cast. Looking back as the show’s star, she says, “I got the contract and they paid my rent, council tax, TV license, electricity, gas, all the bills you need.”
So, where did her money go? Sandra explains, “I never got help, but the money was squandering. The money went to taxis, hair, take away, and friends that wanted money. The money just went. It was natural to help; I don’t regret it.”
After four years on the show, she bid goodbye to it in 2017 after her best friend on the show, Sandi Bogle, left. She soon found herself homeless before moving into a retirement home. Hopefully, her new job will provide her with some stability and liquidity.
Sources:
https://www.tmz.com/2023/08/03/diddy-purchase-cannabis-company-collapse-failed-agreement/
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/31/cresco-columbia-terminate-cannabis-merger.html
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/23314144/sandra-martin-gogglebox-now-new-job-funeral-parlour/
