George Gilbey dead: Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star dies aged 40 as tributes pour in from heartbroken friends
A GOGGLEBOX and Celebrity Big Brother star has died suddenly aged 40.
George Gilbey – who sat on the couch alongside his mum and step-dad – sadly passed away today.
It is understood the star died suddenly in a workplace accident.
George was best known for his time on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.
He, his mum Linda and step-dad Pete McGarry were a fan-favourite when they joined in the second series back in 2013.
The Essex family were axed from the show in 2014 – but George stepped into the Celebrity Big Brother house the same year.
He was much loved on CBB and made it all the way to the final.
George, Linda and Pete then returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016.
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.”
Another said: “Wish this wasn’t true. Gonna miss you George James Gilbe – you were a one in a million. Fly high mate.”
One heartbroken friend said: “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.”
TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, also paid tribute to George.
He wrote: “Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truely 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.”
Essex Police this afternoon 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.”
It comes after his step-dad Pete died suddenly in 2021.
The 71-year-old passed away days after being told he had six months to live after being diagnosed with bowel cancer – with wife Linda saying her son had been left “really cut up”.
She said: “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.”
And she added: “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.”
Linda has now revealed how Pete lost six stone from dieting during lockdown but earlier this year he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Despite an operation to removed the tumour, he was told he had only six months to live but tragically he died just days later.