Gogglebox’s Baasit Siddiqui shares his journey from Derby to teaching, TV and business

Gogglebox is one of the best loved TV shows in the UK, regularly drawing more than 4 million viewers. Firm favourites of the show, Baasit Siddiqui, 40, and dad Sid, 76, both started out here in Derby as graduates of the University.

Baasit will be sharing his story of his journey in education, business and life on the small screen this Saturday with young people and their parents at the University of Derby Open Day. Sid Siddiqui, now retired, qualified as a Power Engineer at the University of Derby and went on to work for the NHS for 37 years.

Baasit studied Business and Information Systems at Derby and went on to train and work as a teacher. In 2018 he started his own business, and regularly works with young people to raise aspirations. Since 2013 along with brother Umar, the family has been a regular fixture on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

At Saturday’s Open Day, which anyone can register to attend, Baasit will share his experience and host a Parents' Session providing information about what university is like and how families and friends can support prospective students with the experience. Guests can ask any questions that they have about living and studying at university.

Baasit said:

“It’s a great pleasure to come back to the University and talk to future students and their parents about what’s on offer here. I’d encourage anyone thinking about going to university to take the opportunity to attend an Open Day – it’s the best way to find out what it’s like, and if it’s for you.”

Hundreds of prospective students will be attending the University of Derby’s Open Day this coming Saturday, 25 February. In addition to exploring the courses available and discovering the campus, they can meet current students and staff and find out if university is for them.

Professor Keith McLay, Provost - Learning & Teaching at the University, commented:

“Choosing which university is right for you is a difficult decision and we would advise any parents or students thinking about higher education to come along and find out more. The University of Derby is a fantastic University which has a number of programmes in the top 20 for student satisfaction and is home to researchers who are changing the world in a variety of fields, from health to climate. An Open Day is an amazing opportunity to look around and find out more and investigate where an undergraduate degree could take you.”

The event runs from 9.45am to 4pm on Saturday and showcases the University’s facilities, including its Sports Centre, Crime Scene House, mock courtroom, and STEM Centre. Baasit will be meeting visitors at the Kedleston Road site, where he will talk to students about his time at Derby and his career since then.

Find out more and book your place at the Open Day.