Who was George Gilbey’s stepdad Pete McGarry
GOGGLEBOX fans were left shocked when fan favourite Pete McGarry sadly passed away in 2021.
Sadly in a cruel turn of events, his stepson George Gilbey died aged 40 in 2024.
Who was George Gilbey’s stepdad Pete McGarry?
Pete Gilbey was a 71-year-old reality star who lived in Clacton, Essex with his wife Linda.
Along with their son George Gilbey they joined Gogglebox in series two in 2013.
The family left the show in 2014 so that George could enter the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Linda and Pete rejoined without their son in 2016.
How did Pete McGarry die?
It was revealed on June 28, 2021 that Pete had sadly passed away after battling bowel cancer.
A statement issued on behalf of the family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71 this weekend with his family by his side after a short illness.”
The statement continued: “Pete will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Our thoughts are with Linda, their children and grandchildren.
“Since 2000, Pete and Linda have fostered over 100 children and he is a beloved father, husband and grandfather.
“The family have asked for privacy at this sad time.”
When did Linda and Pete McGarry marry?
The couple got married in 1996, meaning they had been together for 25 years when he sadly passed away.
Speaking to The Sun shortly after his death, she revealed her heartbreak over his death.
Linda 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.”
Did Linda and Pete McGarry share any children?
The couple didn’t have any children together, but Linda had two sons from a past relationship, while Pete had two daughters.
Pete was very close to stepson George Gilbey despite not being his biological father.
The kindhearted couple fostered over 100 children during their time together.
In an interview with the Daily Star back in 2016, Linda said: “It’s enhanced our lives so much. It’s very rewarding. I’ve just loved doing it.
“I’ve just brought them up as my own. On Mother’s Day I get so many phone calls. They don’t forget you. A lot still regard me and Pete as their parents,” she beamed.
Linda revealed in the same 2016 interview how George had regarded the foster kids as his own siblings, and always shared everything with them.
“He’s always classed the other boys as his brothers. He was 15 when we started fostering and he never moaned. He always shared everything,” she said.
Sadly Linda was dealt another terrible tragedy when George passed away on March 27, 2024.
Police confirmed that the TV star tragically passed away after falling from a height.
Linda was “left in bits” following the news of her son’s untimely death.
One of his close pals told The Sun: “This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
“First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional.”
The death of George Gilbey
Here we take you though the news of the Gogglebox star's death so far:
- George Gilbey dead at 40
- Star’s tragic final photo revealed
- Channel 4 say star was ‘part of family‘
- Tributes pour in for George from celebs
- Star’s mum Linda ‘in bits’ over death
- George’s agony over stepdad’s death revealed