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GOGGLEBOX fan favourites Jenny and Lee paid a heart-breaking tribute to Channel 4 stars who have passed away in an emotional speech at the NTAs.

The reality show scored a shock win last night, beating Ant and Dec to first place for the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award.

Gogglebox won the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award at the NTAs
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Gogglebox won the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award at the NTAsCredit: Rex
The emotional cast took to the stage to celebrate coming in first place
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The emotional cast took to the stage to celebrate coming in first placeCredit: Rex

And as a group of familiar faces from the reality show took to the stage to accept the trophy, Lee Riley paid homage to Gogglebox stars who are no longer with us.

Holding up the award, he said: "Of course, we are collecting this on behalf of all the families who are here - and the ones who have passed away.

"They're still in our thoughts. So thank you."

The audience burst into a round of applause after his heartfelt tribute.

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Jenny Newby appeared to be struggling to hold back tears as she added: "Not bad for 68. I'd just like to say thank you very much.

"I've enjoyed doing this television programme for ten years. It's been wonderful."

Five Gogglebox stars have died since the show began in 2013, and were not there to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Married couple Leon and June Bernicoff were the first people to be cast on the hit show, but sadly passed away at the respective ages of 83 and 82 after suffering from different illnesses.

Gogglebox producer Tania Alexander paid tribute to the pair on social media in 2020, saying she "adored them" and calling the couple "a huge part of the show's success".

Pete McGarry tragically died of bowel cancer in 2021, surrounded by his family.

He left behind his wife Linda, who had also starred on the Channel 4 show.

Mary Cook and Andy Michael also passed away in 2021, within months of each other.

Lee Riley paid a heart-breaking tribute to stars from the Channel 4 show who have passed away
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Lee Riley paid a heart-breaking tribute to stars from the Channel 4 show who have passed awayCredit: Rex

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