Gogglebox has paid tribute following the death of former star George Gilbey.
Gilbey was a cast member on the Channel 4 series alongside his mum Linda and his late stepfather Peter, before joining the cast of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, where he had a memorable romance with Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt
The Independent reported on Wednesday (March 27) that George died at age 40 in what is being investigated as a workplace accident.
A show spokesperson told Digital Spy: "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.”
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Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for additional information.
An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed that it had been investigating an incident in Shoebury where it appears the fatal workplace accident occurred.
"The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene," the police said.
The news was first announced by George's former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Ricci Guarnaccio on his social media.
"Breaks my 💔 but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend," he wrote on Twitter / X.
"Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you GG"
George joined Gogglebox with his family back in 2013, before leaving the series three years later. His family continued appearing until his stepfather Peter's death in 2021.
At the time, George's mother Linda paid tribute to her husband: "He was my life. He was so proud of George when he was in Big Brother, too. Him and George really loved each other. George is really cut up."
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