‘She’s in a beautiful place of oblivion’: Family gives update on grandma Emmie Silbery’s diagnosis

Kerry and Izzy Silbery have revealed the extent of grandma Emmie’s dementia diagnosis as fans prepare for the show’s return without their favourite TV gran.

Emmie Silbery. Pic: Lawrence Furzey/Foxtel magazine

Kerry and Izzy Silbery say much loved Gogglebox grandma Emmie Silbery can’t wait to watch the show despite withdrawing due to her dementia diagnosis.

Emmie, 94, has long starred on the Foxtel show alongside her daughter and granddaughter.

She was diagnosed before Christmas and moved into an aged care home in Melbourne.

“She is totally overwhelmed by the support and I read her all the messages of love and kindness,’’ granddaughter Izzy said.

“She wants her friends at the home to see the show and can’t wait to watch.

“She hasn’t lost her sense of humour and thinks she has a boyfriend but can’t remember his name. The beauty of the show is it’s been around for so many years and we are a real family and Emmie getting that diagnosis is all part of real life.”

Kerry, Izzy and Emmie Silbery.

Izzy said the family had gone through an array of emotions, describing the situation as traumatic at times.

“Mum has devoted years of her life to looking after gran and it takes that pressure off to not worry about her every day,’’ Izzy said.

“It is a hard one because it’s the long goodbye. We’re kind of grieving her while she’s still alive which is really odd. She’s in a beautiful place of oblivion.

“We noticed she wasn’t keeping up the conversation and then mum realised she wasn’t taking her medication so we were thinking we had to do something. You go through grief and guilt and acceptance and it’s all boiled down to what’s best for her.”

Kerry and Izzy are continuing to feature in the new series which airs Wednesday night 7.30pm on Foxtel.

“It’ll be different,” Kerry said. “And it’s sad particularly for us and the viewers because Mum has provided a lot of amazing insight and humour. She’s the oldest Logie award winner in history.

“It’s a relief though that she’s being looked after so well. We’ve written a book and we take it in and read it and she can remember her life. There’s always a spot for her on the couch.”