Gogglebox stars who are no longer with us

Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died at the aged of 40 in a workplace accident.

The reality TV star rose to fame alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry on the Channel 4 TV commentary series and also took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

A spokesperson for Gogglebox said in a statement: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”

Following Gilbey's sad death we remember the other stars of Gogglebox who are no longer with us.

George Gilbey

Gilbey died following an accident at work on Wednesday, 27 March in Essex.

Essex Police said they were called to an incident in Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday, where a man had died after falling from a height.

A spokesperson said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning, during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury. The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene."

Gilbey took part in Gogglebox, first appearing in series two in 2013, alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry.

The family were then dropped from the show when Gilbey signed up to take part in Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5, breaking a clause in their contract that stated they cannot participate in any other reality television series while on Gogglebox. Gilbey reached the final of CBB and came fourth, in the year when Hollywood actor Gary Busey won the show.

The McGarry family were allowed to return to Gogglebox in 2016. Linda and Pete appeared as regulars, while Gilbey occasionally joined them on the sofa having become a dad to daughter Amelie.

Pete McGarry

Gilbey's stepfather Pete McGarry died aged 71 in June 2021 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The statement released on behalf of the family read: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71 this weekend with his family by his side after a short illness. Pete will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Our thoughts are with Linda, their children and grandchildren.

"Since 2000, Pete and Linda have fostered over 100 children and he is a beloved father, husband and grandfather. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time."

Pete and Linda - from Clacton in Essex - appeared in 12 series of Gogglebox between 2013 and 2020.

Linda later told The Sun: “Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years. I said to him, ‘We’ve not only been 25 years, it’s been day and night with each other.' He was my life." She added: “I’ve had marvellous support from all the foster children. The phone has not stopped ringing. We fostered for 21 years and we looked after more than 100 kids. They’re all over the world. We’re so proud of what we’ve done for them and the successes they’ve all had."

June and Leon Bernicoff

Married couple June and Leon Bernicoff died within three years of each other. Leon passed away in December 2017 aged 83. June died in May 2020, aged 82, from a 'short illness' which was stated to not be related to coronavirus.

June and Leon appeared on the very first series of Gogglebox and remained on the show until Leon's death in 2017, when June made the decision not to continue without him.

She revealed she did not watch TV without him, telling the Mirror: “I don’t watch much TV these days, if I’m honest. I find it difficult. I’ve been reading a lot more, or listening to the radio, but I just feel restless whenever I sit down to watch it. I find myself getting up to make a lot of cups of tea and I can’t settle.”

Producer Tania Alexander said in a statement following June's death: "June and Leon were the Gogglebox originals and a huge part of the show's success. I adored them both. Big kiss June darling."

Mummy Pat

Pat Webb died aged 75 after a ‘long illness’ in January 2024.

Mummy Pat appeared alongside with her son, longtime Gogglebox star Stephen Webb on the show from series 10 to series 12. He paid tribute her on social media writing: "Mummy Pat , you were one in a million, took everyone at face value, would share your last fiver with a stranger, the salt of the earth and the absolute centre of our world! Rest in peace mum."

Gogglebox said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Mummy Pat Webb passed away this weekend at the age of 75 after a long illness. Pat was a much-loved cast member on the show from series 10 -12 alongside her son Stephen.

"Mummy Pat will be remembered and missed by her children Stephen, Denise, Sharon, Beverley and the extended family."

Mary Cook

Mary Cook died at the age of 92 in August 2021.

The Bristol resident and her best friend Marina Wingrove joined the show in 2016. A statement from Channel 4 and production firm Studio Lambert said: "We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side.

"Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice."

Wingrove was approached outside her local supermarket by a producer for Gogglebox and asked if she would like to take part in the show. She and Cook lived at residential home St Monica's Trust. Cook said in an interview on their website: “We’re just talking to each other and having a laugh, aren’t we? We do say some cheeky things, but they don’t always put them on the show.”

Andy Michael

Retired hotelier Andy Michael died at the age of 61 in August 2021.

Michael and his family had been part of Gogglebox since the very first episode in 2013. Producers for the show said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness. Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side.

“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed."

Michael joined the show in 2013 but took a break in 2015 when he stood as the UKIP candidate for Hastings and Rye at the general election. He was defeated and the family returned to Gogglebox for more episodes.

Caroline Aherne

The Royle Family and Mrs Merton star Caroline Aherne was the original narrator of Gogglebox. She died at the age of 52 in 2016, two years after announcing she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her Royle Family co-star Craig Cash took over as the main narrator of the TV review show following her death.

A Brexit special of the show in 2016 paid tribute to Aherne, moving viewers to tears.

Gogglebox continues on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.

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