Following his tragic death earlier this week, Gogglebox has paid a heartwarming tribute to George Gilbey. After the credits of Friday’s episode, a picture of George from his time on the show flashed up on the screen.
Alongside the snap with a black screen, it read: “In loving memory George Gilbey. 1984-2024.” Viewers were understandably left emotional over the tribute and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their own messages for the much-loved star.
One viewer penned: “My thoughts are with Linda and @georgegilbey daughter at this very sad time. May George rest in peace, such a lovely chap and always a joy to see on the telly. RIP fella x #Gogglebox.” (sic)
Another Channel 4 viewer said: “Nice tribute to George at the end of the episode tonight. So sad 40 is no age. RIP George #Gogglebox.” Somebody else expressed: “Nice touch #Gogglebox #RIPGeorge.”
Yet another wrote: “Nice tribute to George at the end #Gogglebox.” A fifth said: “Rest in Peace George. Love to Linda and family. #Gogglebox.”
Meanwhile, a sixth added: “What?! George Gilbey has died?? My thoughts are with poor Linda. Imagine having to bury your husband and then your son in the space of 3 years. #Gogglebox.”
George’s fans were left devastated after it was revealed on Wednesday that he had died after falling 80ft in an incident at his workplace, aged just 40.
The reality star became a firm favourite when he joined the second series of Gogglebox with his mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry.
The trio joined in 2013 before leaving the show the following year. They returned in 2016 after a two-year break.
A spokesperson for Gogglebox paid tribute to George in a statement that read: “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 has asked for privacy.”
George went on to star in Celebrity Big Brother in the same year and ended up making it all the way to the final.
He ended up in fourth place, behind runners-up James Jordan and Audley Harrison, as well as eventual winner Gary Busey.
Gogglebox returns on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.