Gogglebox star George Gilbey has sadly died aged 40.
It’s been confirmed George died suddenly on Wednesday (March 27) following a tragic accident at his workplace. The beloved TV star appeared on the Channel 4 show alongside his step-dad Pete and mum Linda.
The family first appeared on the show in 2013 for the second series. They were unfortunately axed from the show in 2014, but that same year, George entered the Celebrity Big Brother house where he finished in fourth place.
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George’s sister confirmed his passing, writing online: “Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.”
(Image: 2014 Karwai Tang)
Tributes have been flooding in for the late reality star, with Geordie Shore’s Ricci Guarnaccio writing: “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.”
EastEnders star Daniella Westbrook wrote: “Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted xxx”.
(Image: 2015 Getty Images)
Another wrote: “Absolutely speechless. Rest in eternal peace George James Gilbey. Thinking of all your family – life’s really is cruel and tomorrow is never promised.”
A third devastated friend of the star penned: “Can’t believe what I’m reading. You were the happiest, the life of the party and such a big part of the HTA family. You will be very missed, RIP George.”
Another said: “Another said: “Wish this wasn’t true. Gonna miss you George James Gilbey – you were a one in a million. Fly high mate.”
Channel 4 paid a moving tribute to the star on Instagram. They said in a statement: “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 have asked for privacy.”
Other Gogglebox fans were baffled as new posts appeared on George’s Instagram and X accounts moments after news broke that he had died. One post appeared just as if George had written it himself, saying: “Please follow this amazing young talent @scarlettrosesings #youngtalent #essexsinger #singer.”
It prompted confusion from fans who wanted to know what was going on. “It’s literally been reported he has passed away so this account must have been hacked,” a shocked fan soon commented underneath.
Another added in disbelief: “How disgusting whoever has hacked his account, the poor guy passed away today.” And a third asked: “I thought he passed away???”
After George’s followers expressed their confusion, Ricci attempted to clear things up, reports the Mirror. “Spoke with his sister, happened early of hours of this morning,” he said. “Accidental death. They don’t know who it is posting on his socials.”
It now appears George had already set up a number of posts before his tragic death. An Instagram user who is seemingly close to him, advised: “These are all scheduled posts that George had previously set, it doesn’t need reporting, please just allow all of us family and friends to grieve in peace.”
George’s cause of death appears to have been a workplace accident involving a fall from height. Essex police released a statement on Wednesday regarding the incident.
(Image: Instagram)
It 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.”
George’s heartbreaking final photo showed the TV star smiling, just five days before his death. On Friday (March 22), he shared a selfie on social media in which he could be seen wearing a black hoodie after a training session.
Alongside a second snap of a gym card, he wrote: “Done. Full membership.”
George’s death comes less than three years after his step-dad passed away aged 71. Pete died just days after being told he had six months to live following his bowel cancer diagnosis.
(Image: Instagram)
Linda had revealed that her son George had been left “really cut up” by Pete’s passing. She wrote: “Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years. I said to him, ‘We’ve not only been 25 years, it’s been day and night with each other. He was my life.
“I have a message from a young lad I know who said, ‘Ordinary people won’t be remembered, but we’ll remember Pete forever – like the pyramids.’ I thought that was beautiful. He was so proud of George when he was in Big Brother too. Him and George really loved each other, George is really cut up”.
Following the tragic news about George, a close pal has said his mum is struggling to cope. They told The Sun: “First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
