Gogglebox reality star dead at 40 in tragic workplace accident

A Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star has died suddenly aged just 40, in a tragic workplace accident.

A Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star has died suddenly aged 40.

George Gilbey – who made UK Gogglebox audiences laugh as he sat on the couch alongside his mum and stepdad – tragically passed away yesterday.

The reality star died after “falling from height” while working this morning, with police tonight confirming his cause of death.

George was best known for his time on the British version of the beloved show Gogglebox.

He, his mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry were a fan-favourite when they joined in the second series back in 2013.

Gogglebox star George Gilbey (centre) has died at the age of 40.

The Essex family were axed from the show in 2014 – but George stepped into the Celebrity Big Brother house the same year.

He was much loved on CBB and made it all the way to the final.

George, Linda and Pete then returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016.

George’s untimely passing comes just three years after the death of his 71-year-old stepdad Pete, who died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

A friend said George’s mum Linda was “in bits”. They told The Sun: “This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda. First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.”

Gilbey ‘always lit up the room’, friends have said.

With his mum and stepdad, who all became famous faces thanks to Gogglebox.

TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, paid tribute to George.

He wrote: “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 and 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 my boy.

“Love you GG.”

Another pal told The Sun: “George was George. He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family.

“He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment for everyone who knew him. Nobody deserves this to happen so young – 40 is no age and to die at work is horrific.

“He had started going to the gym in the evenings and working very hard to do well for his family.”

Gogglebox’s network Channel 4 released a statement, saying the star was always part of the “family”.

It read: “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.”

Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.

“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Gogglebox reality star dead at 40 in tragic workplace accident