Gogglebox cast's real life tragedies from 'traumatic divorce' to sudden death
Gogglebox has been a hit with viewers since it first launched in 2013, but the show's cast have faced their fair share of heartbreak and tragedy over the years
Gogglebox has established itself as a cherished British television programme since its debut on Channel 4 in 2013. Narrated by Craig Cash and the late Caroline Aherne, the show provides viewers with an insight into the daily lives of typical British households as they tune in to watch television.
The format has subsequently spawned a celebrity edition whilst achieving global recognition after being acquired by streaming platform Netflix. Versions of the programme have been developed across various countries including Australia, Poland, Russia and Finland.
The Gogglebox cast members have meanwhile risen to become recognisable faces throughout the UK, with breakthrough personalities such as Scarlett Moffatt establishing flourishing television careers beyond the programme, reports Wales Online.
However, the show's participants have not escaped their fair share of personal hardships throughout the years.
From devastating bereavements to relationship breakdowns, here we examine some of the challenges and difficulties encountered by the Gogglebox personalities over time.
George Gilbey's tragic death
Former Big Brother participant George Gilbey featured on Gogglebox with his mother Linda and stepfather Pete McGarry. The 40-year-old passed away after sustaining severe injuries to his head and torso following a fall in Shoeburyness, Essex, last year.
The coroner's officer revealed George had been "working on a roof when he fell through a plastic skylight, landing on the ground below".
Two individuals were detained in connection with the incident, though Essex Police confirmed earlier this year that they would not face any further proceedings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will now take the lead in the investigation.
HSE inspector Natalie Prince, speaking to Sky News, stated that they would "thoroughly investigate George's tragic death".
George's stepfather Pete passed away three years prior, in 2021, mere days after receiving a six-month prognosis. Pete, aged 71, had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The Malone family are 'devastated' after death
The Malones have been a hit on Gogglebox since their debut in 2014. The family, including mum Julie, dad Tom, sons Tom Jr and Shaun, and the family dog Bob, were regular fixtures on our screens.
Earlier this year, fans rallied around the Malones when they announced the sad news of Bob's passing. Julie shared a series of photos of Bob throughout the years on Instagram, with the caption: "Today we said goodbye to our beautiful protective Bobby, he spent his last day doing what he loved, watching over the grandchildren playing in the garden. We are heartbroken. RIP our beautiful Big Bob."
Tom Jr, who left the show in 2021, also paid tribute to the beloved pet, saying: "Good boy Bob... Rest easy big man."
This was the second time the family had to deal with the loss of a pet. They announced the death of their rottweiler Dave in 2023.
Daniel and Stephen's 'traumatic' divorce
Gogglebox star Daniel Lustig opened up about his "traumatic" divorce from co-star Stephen Webb. The former couple decided to part ways last year after six years of marriage.
They decided to leave the show in 2023. Speaking on Best's Suddenly Single podcast, Daniel described the split as a "slow process" and confessed he was back on the dating scene.
Despite their break-up, he revealed that they continued to share the same bed for some time. It wasn't until Stephen appeared on Celebs Go Dating that they decided to sleep in separate bedrooms.
Gogglebox stars lost over the years
Leon and June Bernicoff quickly became fan favourites when they first appeared on the show in 2013.
Following Leon's death at the age of 83 in 2017, June decided to leave the show. She then penned her first book about their six-decade-long love story, titled 'Leon And June: Our Story'.
Sadly, June passed away at the age of 82 in 2020. In a statement, Channel 4 said: "As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme's success. Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series."
Andy Michael, who was 61, was a regular face on the show alongside his wife Carolyne, son Louis, and daughter Alex. He sadly died in 2021, aged 61.
Studio Lambert announced that he had passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
Mary Cook, a retiree aged 92, was a popular figure on Gogglebox, appearing alongside her close friend Marina Wingrove. The duo won over viewers with their cheeky remarks and "brilliant wit".
Mary passed away in 2021 with her family by her side. Channel 4 paid tribute, saying: "Mary will be sorely missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew."
The Royle Family creator Caroline Aherne originally narrated Gogglebox before her death from cancer at 52 in 2016.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Craig Cash, who stepped into the role, revealed: "She just asked me if I'd do the show for her if she was poorly and when she had to go for chemo, so of course I said yes just to help out, because I couldn't help in any other way."
He continued: "It was really lovely, because it feel like a gift she has left me and I'm very grateful."