The reality star suddenly passed away following a workplace accident.
Gogglebox stars have paid tribute to George Gilbey following the tragic news that the former cast member had passed away aged 40.
Gilbey appeared on the show alongside his mum Linda and late stepfather Pete McGarry between 2013 and 2014, and then again from 2016 until 2018, while he also starred in the fourteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.
His sudden death was announced yesterday (Wednesday 27th March), following a workplace accident.
The official Gogglebox social media account was quick to pay tribute to Gilbey, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “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 have asked for privacy.”
George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy. pic.twitter.com/VMp1XkxvPG
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) March 27, 2024
Meanwhile, several stars of the popular reality series also shared tributes, with Stephen Webb writing: “Very sad, sending our love to Linda and family.”
Simon Minty also posted: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family,” while Baasit Siddiqui replied to the official Gogglebox account by writing: “Such sad and shocking news. All our love thoughts and prayers to George’s family and friends during this really hard time for them all.”
A number of celebrities who had been in the Celebrity Big Brother house with Gilbey also paid tribute, including Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, who wrote on X: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey 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.”
Breaks my 💔 but @georgegilbey you are well and truely 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!
— Ricci Guarnaccio (@RicciGuarnaccio) March 27, 2024
Love you GG 💔🥲💔 pic.twitter.com/nGEdnKs8Qe
Meanwhile, former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan – who also appeared with Gilbey on Celebrity Big Brother – shared a photo of Gilbey on Instagram and added: “Just heard about another friend of mine dying today. My thoughts go out to his family. Another one gone way too soon. RIP George.”
Gilbey’s death comes just over two years after his step-father Pete died from bowel cancer at the age of 71.
At the time, Linda wrote: “He was my life. 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.”