Channel 4 says George Gilbey ‘was part of family’ alongside mum Linda & stepdad Pete in heartfelt statement after death
CHANNEL 4 has issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic death of one of its longtime Gogglebox stars.
George Gilbey died suddenly today after falling from a height at work, police confirmed.
Tributes are already pouring in for the star, who was just 40.
He was best known for his time on Channel 4's Gogglebox - with a spokesperson for the show saying he was "part of the family".
The star, his mum Linda and step-dad Pete McGarry were fan-favourites when they joined in the second series back in 2013.
The Essex family was axed from the show in 2014 - but George stepped into the Celebrity Big Brother house the same year.
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He was much loved on CBB and made it all the way to the final.
George, Linda and Pete then returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016.
And the Channel 4 show has paid tribute to the star.
A spokesperson for the show said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad 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.”
It comes as...
- George Gilbey dead at 40
- Star's tragic final photo revealed
- George's cause of death confirmed by cops
- Tributes pour in for George from celebs
- Star's mum Linda 'in bits' over death
The tragic last photo of the star was snapped just last week - a selfie he'd taken after joining the gym.
George's death came as a shock to his family.
Essex Police this afternoon said: "We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
George Gilbey’s mum ‘in bits’
By THOMAS GODFREY and GEORGIE ENGLISH
ONE of George's close pals told The Sun that his beloved mum, Linda McGarry, has been left devastated over her son's untimely passing.
They said: "This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
"First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
"She is incredibly emotional.
"George was like her little treasure."
Pete died suddenly in 2021 at the age of 71 from bowel cancer.
He passed away days after being told he had six months left to live.
Linda said her son had been left "really cut up" at the time.
She said: “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."
"The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.
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"We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive.
"A cordon remains in place at the scene."
Tragic last photo of Gogglebox star
By JANE MATTHEWS
GEORGE Gilbey was snapped smiling just days before his tragic death this morning.
Just five days ago the star proudly posted the photo to social media.
In the snap the star donned a black hoodie and appeared to have been out exercising.
He captioned the photo, which sat alongside a pic of a gym card: "Done. Full membership."