Fans of Gogglebox star George Gilbey were left scratching their heads when new posts appeared on his Instagram and X accounts moments after news broke that he had died.
Tributes soon poured in for the star, who died in a workplace accident on Wednesday (March 27). Ricci Guarnaccio from Geordie Shore wrote: “Breaks my [heart] but @georgegilbey 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 forever brother.
“From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.” Within minutes of Ricci’s post, however, George’s Instagram account was active, sharing videos of a young female singer.
READ MORE:Gogglebox George Gilbey’s cause of death as beloved TV star tragically dies aged 40
READ MORE:Gogglebox star George Gilbey smiling in tragic last photo days before death
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.”
(Image: instagram/@georgegilbey)
Another of George’s pals explained: “George Passed away this morning in a Tragic work accident and I’d like to inform you that his posts are Scheduled so his not been hacked. RIP My Darling Friend Fly High George.”
Essex Police confirmed George’s passing in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, which read: “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 Health and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
George won over audiences when he joined Channel 4’s Gogglebox with his mum Linda and step-dad Pete for the second series in 2013. The Essex trio left the show in 2014, but George didn’t disappear from screens as he joined Celebrity Big Brother that same year, making it all the way to the final.
In 2016, fans were delighted when George returned to Gogglebox with Linda and Pete. Tragically, however, the latter passed away suddenly in 2021 at the age of 71, just days after being told he had six months to live due to bowel cancer.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
