Gogglebox cast tragedies

Gogglebox fans have endured many tragedies over the years, including the deaths of fan-favourites George Gilbey and Andy Michael.

Both stars appeared on the show in 2013 with their families.

Andy died in September 2021 at the age of 61 following a short illness. A statement given to the PA news agency confirmed his death at the time, adding that he was surrounded by family.

“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed,” the statement continued.

Pete and Linda’s love story

George Gilbey’s mum Linda met his step-father Pete at a pub in Essex.

Linda previously told The Sun: “He was always taking the mickey out of me on the show and he was like that to the end.

“When he was really ill I asked him if he wanted me to sing to him and he wailed ‘Nooooo’.”

“He had a marvellous sense of humour – when we were driving and I’d cut someone up he’d shout, ‘We’re lost’, he was so lovely. “

George was spotted for Googlebox and the couple decided to join their son on the show in 2013. Pete died after a battle with bowel cancer in 2021.

George Gilbey’s mum ‘in bits’ after tragic death, continued

“This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda. First, she lost Pete, now her son as well,” the friend continued.

“She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.”

A group of George’s friends reportedly met up at a local pub near his home to celebrate his life over a drink.

George’s relationship with his mum Linda and stepdad Pete was shown on Googlebox in 2013. The family quickly became fan-favourites.

George Gilbey’s mum ‘in bits’ after tragic death

George Gilbey’s mum Linda is “in bits” after her son’s tragic death.

A friend of George’s told The Sun: “George was George. He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family.

“He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment for everyone who knew him.

“Nobody deserves this to happen so young – 40 is no age and to die at work is horrific.

“He had started going to the gym in the evenings and working very hard to do well for his family.

Tributes flood in

Tributes are pouring in for the star online, hailing him “one in a million”.

One pal 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.”

How much do families make on Gogglebox?

A Gogglebox insider told The Sun Online that each of the families taking part are handed a monthly family allowance of £1,500.

The amount is then split amongst contributing family members at their own discretion.

The monthly wage comes with its own added perks and each of the families receives free takeaways to keep them going through each sitting.

Each of the families is expected to commit to 12 hours of filming a week across two six-hour shifts.