By Lucy Caulkett-
Gogglebox bosses have confirmed that five of the show’s stars won’t be appearing in the new series following the tragic deaths of cast members Mary, Pete and Andy.
The loved ones of those who passed have pulled out of the the new run of episodes.
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Linda’s husband Pete died back in July after a short illness, while Carolyne’s husband Andy and Marina’s best friend Mary Cook both passed away a month later.
The channel 4 programme, which ahs been a television hit in the UK since it began in 2013, is now on its 18th season. It features a number of families and groups of friends from different places around the UK who react to television programmes from their own homes. The stars on the show have have gained popularity almost to the same degree as actors, as they entertain the British public in a series which always has something new and unpredictable.
Gogglebox executive producer Victoria Ray commented: “We have had people from the show pass away recently. We lost Mary and Andy. And a little while ago we lost Pete.
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“Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy.”
On how the production team have also been affected by the sad news, the series boss continued: “It’s a massive loss in every way. We feel it too. We are still in touch with all the loved ones.
“We talk to them all the time. They are still part of the Gogglebox family. We are really close to all the people on the show, so what has happened has been really upsetting for the whole team.”
Earlier this month, fellow couch favourite Stephen Webb paid tribute to his late co-stars.
“Mary was a sweet, lovely lady, but with some brilliant innuendo and one-liners up her sleeve. We loved watching her and Marina together – their popularity shows that whatever age you are, you can still connect with younger people through humour.”
Remembering Pete as “a total sweetheart”, he said that Andy “was always truly himself and we really admire how straight talking he was”, adding: “You could always tell there was so much love and mutual respect within the Michael family.”
Linda steps away from show following tragic loss of husband Pete McGarry Image:tellymix.co.uk
“We lost Mary and Andy, and a little while ago we lost Pete. Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy.”
She added that the option is always there for them to return when they feel ready.
He had previously appeared on the show with his wife Linda and their son George Gilbey, who went on to star in Celebrity Big Brother.
George had quit Gogglebox long before his stint in the CBB house, but his parents still made regular appearances.
Mary Cook died last month at the age of 92. Her best friend Marina has since taken a step off the show whilst she mourns her death.
Andrew Michael (middle right)sadly died in August. His wife Carolyne and kids have left the show Image:ITV
Michael had been on the show since the first series – with a short hiatus – alongside his wife Carolyne and their children Alex and Louis.
None of the family will be appearing in the new series.
Gogglebox won big at this year’s National Television Awards, and star Julie Malone honoured her fallen co-stars as she accepted it.
She said: “On behalf of the Gogglebox family, I would just like to say a massive thanks for this award and on a sadder note, I’d like to dedicate it to all the people we’ve lost over the last 18 months.
“Andy, Pete, Mary and everybody’s favourite grandma June who has been reunited with Leon.”
Gogglebox has been a hugely popular series in the UK since it began in 2013, and it is now on its 18th season. It features a number of families and groups of friends from different places around the UK who react to television programmes from their own homes. The stars on the show have become celebrities in their own right over the years.
The series airs on Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
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