Gogglebox stars have flooded social media with tributes, paying their respects to series favourite June Bernicoff.
The 82-year-old died on Tuesday, with Channel 4 confirming her death in a statement released earlier today.
June died after suffering from a “short illness”, which has been confirmed as being unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic.
As soon as news of her death broke, stars of the popular Channel 4 reality show penned heartfelt tributes to the late star over social media.
June joined the cast of Gogglebox in the first series back in 2013, becoming a beloved armchair critic along with her husband Leon Bernicoff.
Tragically, Leon died in 2017, passing away aged 83 after a short illness.
Gogglebox’s June Bernicoff has died aged 82 (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Their co-star Stephen Webb paid tribute to the happy couple in his tribute, insisting they would be reunited after her death.
He said: “Rest in peace our June, reunited with Leon! Forever in our hearts.”
Former Gogglebox star Sandra Martin also penned a thoughtful tribute to June, saying: “MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY XX.”
Gogglebox star Sandi Bogle also paid tribute to Bernicoff, tweeting: “So sad the beautiful June Bernicoff has sadly passed away.
June and Leon were beloved fixtures on Gogglebox for 10 series (Image: Channel 4)
“Sending my condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.”
The Malone family added: “RIP June. Reunited with her soulmate Leon. Heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends xx”
Gogglebox creator Tania Alexander broke the news of June’s death over Twitter, praising her legacy on the show.
She said: “Absolutely heartbroken to tell you that our beloved June Bernicoff passed away on Tuesday following a short illness – it was not related to Covid-19. June & Leon were the #Gogglebox originals & a huge part of the show’s success. I adored them both. Big kiss June darling.”
June and Leon’s romance spanned six decades (Image: Liverpool Echo)
June moved out of her Liverpool home after Leon’s death, leaving the city last year to move closer to her family members.
A statement to the PA news agency from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert praised the couple’s onscreen charisma, saying: “Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series.
“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.
Stephen Webb paid tribute to June with a heartfelt post (Image: Twitter)
“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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
