By Lucy Caulkett-
Tributes have poured in to George Gilbey, the beloved television personality known for his appearances on “Gogglebox” and “Celebrity Big Brother,” tragically passed away at the age of 40 following an accident at work.
The incident, which occurred in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, left fans and fellow celebrities devastated as they mourned the loss of a cherished figure.
Essex Police said it was called to a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, after a report that a man working at height had fallen.
George Gilbey(pictured) rose to fame alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete on the second series of “Gogglebox” in 2013. His infectious personality and genuine presence quickly endeared him to audiences, leading to his participation in other reality TV shows, including “Celebrity Big Brother.”
The family left Gogglebox in 2014 when George entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on rival Channel 5 – which was deemed a rule breaker by producers – but they returned to the sofa two years later.
George, who had a seven-year-old daughter Amelie Iris Gilbey with Gemma Conway in 2016, was part of the fourteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother, where he reached the final.
Fellow TV personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who entered the Big Brother house in 2014 with George, paid tribute, writing: ‘Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you GG.’
George Gilbey was celebrity big brother contestant Image: PA Former EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook wrote: ‘Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted xxx.’
Despite the efforts of emergency services, including air ambulances, George succumbed to his injuries. Tributes poured in for the reality star, with Channel 4, the network behind “Gogglebox,” acknowledging his integral role in the show’s success.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, including air ambulances, George succumbed to his injuries. Tributes poured in for the reality star, with Channel 4, the network behind “Gogglebox,” acknowledging his integral role in the show’s success.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 expressed condolences, stating, “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.” The network emphasized George’s significance, describing him as “part of the family.”
Fellow TV personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who shared the Big Brother house with George in 2014, paid heartfelt tribute to his friend, reminiscing about the memories they shared. “Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truly going to be missed my friend,” wrote Guarnaccio. “Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish forever brother.”
The sudden loss of George Gilbey comes as a shock to many, especially considering the recent passing of his stepfather, Pete, less than three years ago.
Pete McGarry succumbed to bowel cancer at the age of 71, leaving the family devastated.
George’s death also marks another tragic loss in the entertainment industry, following the passing of several other celebrities in the past year.