Beloved Gogglebox Australia star Emmie Silbery dies aged 96 following dementia battle

A beloved star of Gogglebox Australia has sadly passed away, with her heartbroken granddaughter sharing the sad news on Instagram.

A beloved star of Gogglebox Australia has sadly passed away aged 96.

Emmie Silbery died following a years-long battle with dementia, with her heartbroken granddaughter and fellow Gogglebox star Isabelle Silbery sharing the news on Instagram.

“Our Emmie, waited for me to come home for one last snuggle,” Isabelle began in her emotional post. “Her last words, ‘I’m ready to hang up now’.”

Gogglebox star Emmie Silbery passed away on Tuesday aged 96. Picture: Instagram

Emmie on her 95th birthday last year with granddaughter Isabelle. Picture: Instagram

“️She was 96, an orphan, a nurse, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the oldest woman on TV, a great grandmother, an author and so much more. Thank you for loving her as much as we did and will forever. Have a big rest now — you deserve it. Xxxxx.”

Several of Emmie’s Gogglebox castmates also took to Instagram to express their sorrow over her passing.

“Beautiful Emmie. Words can’t describe what you meant to so many of us,” wrote Angie Kent, who went on to star on The Bachelorette.

“Thank you for the countless laughs, tears, goosebumps and memories! Rest now. Your girls are so loved and looked after.”

Emmie with her daughter Kerry (right) and Isabelle, who shared the news of her passing on Instagram. Picture: Deborah Rowland/Supplied

“It was an honour to have met her. She was a truly special woman. May she rest in peace,” Matty Fahd also commented on Isabelle’s post.

“Our hearts are so heavy with sadness,” wrote fellow Gogglebox stars Lee and Keith Riley. “Emmie was our adopted grandmother to Keith and I as we lost our grandparents years ago. You told us so many stories about your life and now they are memories for us to keep. Rest in peace, sweetheart you’ll never be far from our hearts.”

Aussie personalities also shared their condolences.

“I’m so sad to hear the news Isabelle. What a beautiful, talented, giving soul she was, and so loved by us all. I hope she knew that. Glad you got that last snuggle. Sending love to you and your wonderful mum,” wrote former The Project host Lisa Wilkinson.

“I’m so sorry for your loss. ️ Sending you and your family all the love. She was an icon,” wrote Aussie actress Pia Miranda.

Emmie first appeared on Gogglebox in 2015 with her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle and quickly became fan favourites.

In February 2023, almost seven years and 14 seasons after the trio became couch critics, the close-knit Silbery clan announced Emmie would not be joining them on the show in 2023 due to her dementia diagnosis.

“We are sad to announce that Emmie won’t be joining us on the couch for Gogglebox Australia this season,” they posted on Instagram at the time.

“It’s been a very challenging time for our family and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions. Emmie has been diagnosed with dementia and we wanted to be transparent about this as many families experience it.

“Emmie will be watching and rest assured she’s happy and being cared for.”

The Silbery family first appeared on Gogglebox in 2015 and quickly became fan favourites.

While Emmie has stayed out of the spotlight since, she did have a heartwarming reunion in January 2024 when some of the Gogglebox cast met up with the beloved grandma.

The castmates were all hugs and smiles when they saw the TV star for the first time since she stepped away from the program following her devastating diagnosis.

A sweet clip of the reunion was shared on social media, showing Emmie being showered with affection from co-stars including Tim Lai – who appears on the show with sister Leanne – and Faye Kontos – who sits on the famed Gogglebox couch with best friend Anastasia Katselas.

Lee and Keith were also present at the reunion with the pair sharing a clip on Instagram.

“It was great to see our darling Emmie again,” they wrote alongside footage of Keith hugging Emmie.

Originally published as Beloved Gogglebox Australia star Emmie Silbery dies aged 96 following dementia battle