Gogglebox confirm FIVE stars have left the show ahead of tonight’s new series after tragic deaths

GOGGLEBOX have confirmed that FIVE stars have left the show ahead of tonight’s new series after being affected by tragic deaths.

The hit Channel 4 programme has sadly lost three of its beloved stars in recent months, and their family members will not be returning to the show.

PA

The Michael family will not be returning after patriarch Andy’s tragic death[/caption]

Channel 4

Marina has also taken a step back after best friend Mary passed away[/caption]

PA

Pete’s widow Linda won’t be on our screens this series[/caption]

Executive producer Victoria Ray explained: “We have had people from the show pass away recently.

“We lost Mary and Andy, and a little while ago we lost Pete. Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy.”

She added to Daily Star that all of the stars have the option to return to Gogglebox in the future if they would like to.

In June, Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71, with he and wife Linda delighting fans when they appeared on the sofas alongside their son George Gilbey – who went on to star in Celebrity Big Brother.

While George had long-quit the show, Linda and Pete made occasional appearances in recent series – but Linda will not be taking part as she continues to grieve her husband.

Mary Cook died last month at the age of 92, and her best friend Marina has stepped away from the show after they won over fans with their endearing relationship.

Shortly after Mary’s death was revealed, it was sadly announced that Andy Michael had also passed away after a short illness at the age of 61.

He’d appeared on the show since the very first series alongside his wife Carolyne and their children Alex and Louis, with their two other children Katy and Pascal also making infrequent appearances over the years.

However, none of the family will be returning this series.

Co-star Julie Malone honoured the late Gogglebox favourites as she accepted a National Television Award on the show’s behalf earlier this month.

In a moving tribute that had viewers in tears, she shared: “On behalf of the Gogglebox family, I would just like to say a massive thanks for this award and on a sadder note, I’d like to dedicate it to all the people we’ve lost over the last 18 months.

“Andy, Pete, Mary and everybody’s favourite grandma June who has been reunited with Leon.”

Original cast member June Bernicoff passed away in May 2020 – three years after her beloved husband Leon.

Yesterday, Marina broke her silence on her best friend Mary’s death after previously being left “too upset to talk”.

She shared moving tribute to her co-star, who she’d lived next door to in a retirement home for over 10 years.