By Sammie Jones-
Gogglebox star Andrew Michael has died at the age of 61, Channel 4 has sadly confirmed.His passing comes just a few days after the death of another Gogglebox star Mary Cook. who died at the age of 92.
Michael was well known for appearing on the series alongside his wife Carolyne and children Louis and Alex.
The family joined the show in 2013 but announced in 2014 that they were leaving because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the general election.
After his political ambitions were unsuccessful following his failure to secure the Hastings and Rye seat, the family returned for future episodes.
The statement, given to the PA news agency, said: “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.
“Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side.
“Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show’s original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013.
“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed.
“Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time”.
Earlier this week it was announced that Gogglebox star Mary Cook had died at the age of 92.
The family first appeared on Gogglebox in the debut episode in 2013, but announced in 2014 that they were leaving because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the general election.
After he failed to secure the Hastings and Rye seat, the family returned for future episodes.
The statement, given to the PA news agency, said: “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.
“Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side.
He was well known for appearing on the series alongside his wife Carolyne and children Louis and Alex.
The family joined the show, which sees members of the public review the previous week’s television, in 2013.
A statement from Channel 4 and producers Studio Lambert said he died after a short illness last weekend with his family by his side.
“Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show’s original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013,” it said.
“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed.
“Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.”
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Andy will be truly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. pic.twitter.com/9swH4JA0RN
Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford tweeted a tribute, saying: “Rest in peace Andy,” which was retweeted by her brother Pete, while the show’s Malone family added: “So very sorry, rest in Eternal Peace, condolences to Caroline, children his family and friends xx.”
Michael, from Brighton, was the son of immigrant parents who came to the UK from Cyprus in 1951.
The family were among the original participants when the programme launched eight years ago.
They disappeared from the series when Michael stood as the Ukip candidate for Hastings and Rye at the 2015 general election.
He wasn’t allowed to appear on Gogglebox at the same time and said his family were unhappy with his choice to put politics first.