June Bernicoff, who was one of the sofa stars of Channel 4 programme Gogglebox, has died aged 82 following a short illness.
Bernicoff had “family by her side” as she passed away at her home on May 5.
June and Leon were fan favourites on Gogglebox and joined the programme at its inception in 2013.
Their loving relationship, which saw them playfully bicker as well as share truly tender moments, delighted viewers of the programme during their time on the show.
A statement from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert, on behalf of Bernicoff’s family, said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox’s much-loved June Bernicoff passed away at the age of 82 on May 5 at home with her family by her side after a short illness.
“As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme’s success.
“Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series.
Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has passed away (Image: Daily Mirror)
“Following Leon’s passing in December 2017, June wrote her first book, Leon And June: Our Story, which was a deeply moving and entertaining chronicle of their 60-year love affair.
“A remarkably independent, principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life, June will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Despite her departure from the show in 2017, she remained a passionate supporter of the programme, watching it every week, and she was in regular contact with the production team.
“Our thoughts are with June’s family – Helen and Ian, Julie and Marc, and her beloved grandchildren Frances, Sam and Faye. The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time, but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks.
June hadn’t appeared on Gogglebox since husband Leon’s passing (Image: Daily Mirror)
“June’s death was not related to Covid 19.”
Leon was first approached to go on the programme with June at his local bridge club back in 2013, seeing them be the first couple to secure a spot on the show.
Leon, who was known for his no-nonsense comments about Nigel Farage and David Cameron, tragically passed away in December 2017.
June moved out of the couple’s Liverpool home of 62 years after Leon died, as she wanted to be nearer to family after his sad passing.
Leon and June were fan favourites on the programme
Shortly after his death, Gogglebox bosses paid tribute to Leon with an episode that they dedicated to him.
Reflecting on the emotional tribute, June said previously: “I looked over to his chair and when I saw it, that was the first time I really, really cried after he died.”
She continued: “I do still watch Gogglebox every week. In a way, even though I am no longer part of the show, Gogglebox is still a big part of me.
“Being involved in the show so late in our lives provided us with a host of unexpected pleasures.”
Leon and June were the first couple who landed a spot on Gogglebox. (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Unsurprisingly, June’s death has prompted an outpouring of love from her fans on social media.
One social networker commented: “June and Leon made #Gogglebox and was never the same after Leon’s passing. loved them both. at least they’re at peace together now. RIP”
While another continued: “Oh no that is awful news – #Gogglebox June has passed – the best people that came to our screens – condolences to family and friends.
“RIP June – Leon Bernicoff.”
A third added: “RIP June. So sad. Let’s all clap for June at 8pm.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
