George Gilbey, a star of Channel 4’s Gogglebox, has tragically been confirmed dead aged 40.
Gogglebox is a UK TV series that documents families and groups of friends unpicking the biggest moments in television from the week before.
Reality star George Gilbey appeared on the Channel 4 series alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry.
He also appeared on the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.
But now, it’s been announced that Gilbey has tragically died aged just 40.
Gilbey joined Gogglebox in its second series in 2013.
But he and his family were dropped in 2014 after he signed up for CBB, as participants are not allowed to appear on other TV shows.
Later, his mum and stepdad returned to the show, but without George.
Gilbey reached the final of CBB alongside The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who eventually won the series.
Gilbey’s stepfather and Gogglebox co-star Pete died in 2021, aged 71.
A spokesperson for the show says: “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 has asked for privacy.”
Gilbey’s sister writes: “Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.”
His mum is said to be ‘in bits’ following the devastating news.
Following the passing of her husband, and Gilbey’s stepdad, Pete, she shared: “I have a message from a young lad I know who said, ‘Ordinary people won’t be remembered, but we’ll remember Pete forever – like the pyramids’. I thought that was beautiful. 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.”
A source tells The Sun: “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.”
Just days before his untimely death, Gilbey shared a smiling selfie on Facebook.
This is thought to be the last image of the star.
Former Geordie Shore cast member Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother alongside Gilbey, posts on X, formerly known as Twitter: “You are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
“Always lit up the room, cared for others and the memories we made I’ll cherish forever brother.”
Radio presenter Ian Wyatt tells BBC Essex: “He was always very kind with his time coming on my programmes to talk about his role in Gogglebox.
“He was very, very approachable, very, very likeable – you’d have his mobile number which you could call at any time, he wasn’t precious at all about that sort of thing.”
James Jordan, the former Strictly Come Dancing pro who also appeared on Gilbey’s series of Celebrity Big Brother, writes: “Just heard about another friend of mine dying today. My thoughts go out to his family. Another one gone way too soon. RIP George.”
Essex Police said they were called to an incident in Shoebury in Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday, March 27.
The incident involved Gilbey, who was working as a self-employed electrician at the time.
According to LinkedIn, Gilbey also ran his own company, WindG Ltd, in Clacton.
A statement from the police force reads: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10 am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance was in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
“A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
