Gogglebox viewers were left emotional after Friday's episode of the Channel 4 show ended with a poignant tribute to former star George Gilbey, who died earlier this week at the age of 40. The electrician, who appeared on the series between 2013 and 2018 alongside his mother Linda and late stepfather Pete McGarry, reportedly died after falling 80 feet through a skylight at a workplace in Shoebury, Essex.
As the credits rolled, a picture of George with his parents was shown with the caption: 'IN LOVING MEMORY George Gilbey 1984-2024'. His sudden death comes less than three years after Pete died from bowel cancer at the age of 71. Fans took to X to pay their respects, with one writing: 'My thoughts are with George Gilbey's daughter at this very sad time. May George rest in peace, such a lovely chap.' Another added: 'Nice tribute to George at the end of the episode tonight. So sad 40 is no age, RIP George.'
George, who had a daughter called Amelie with Gemma Conway in 2016, was part of the fourteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, having left Gogglebox for that show. He later returned to the sofa with his family. His mother Linda said she 'had a little cry' after messages of support poured in, while a friend described the incident as 'a complete and utter accident'. A man arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter has been released under investigation.
