Movies

Gogglebox: Heartbreaking Losses of Stars and Pets

BBG News

The beloved Siddiqui family from Gogglebox received an outpouring of sympathy from viewers following their announcement about a tragic family loss that occurred this week.

As a dedicated fan, I’m sharing a heartfelt message that resonates with me: My beloved Gogglebox family members, Sid, Raza, Baasit, and Umar, who have been gracing our screens since 2013, shared on social media the sad news about their dear cat Rufus. At 15 years old, Rufus left us, leaving a void that can never truly be filled.

The death of Rufus has added another layer of sadness to the Channel 4 series, following a series of devastating losses experienced in recent times.

Notably, George Gibley sadly lost his life in an incident at work in March, having fallen from a height. His grieving loved ones are left to cope with this tragic loss.

Just about three years following the tragic demise of his stepfather Pete McGarry, who worked alongside him and his mother Linda on their shared TV series for quite some time, this event occurred.

Over the past few years, several beloved cast members have sadly passed away due to various health issues, cancer, and simply growing older. This has left their fans in deep mourning, as the familiar faces they’ve come to cherish almost like family members are now absent from the screen of the critically acclaimed series that won a BAFTA award.

TopMob take a look back to remember all the famous faces of the hit show who are no longer with us.

George Gibley 

In March 2024, at the age of 40, George, who had been making progress following some challenging years, unfortunately lost his life in a workplace incident.

For several years, from 2013 to 2018, a person with one child was frequently seen on the show Gogglebox. During this time, he shared the screen with his mother Linda and stepfather Pete McGarry. Sadly, Pete passed away in June 2021 due to bowel cancer.

(This version attempts to simplify the original text while maintaining its meaning, using more conversational language.)

Despite being removed from the show when George joined Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, the family came back the following year, making it seem like they had never departed.

In 2018, George decided not to return to the show permanently, and a few months later, he faced legal troubles. He was found guilty of assaulting his former partner and driving under the influence, which led to him serving a three-month sentence for drink driving in prison.

However, following his release, he made an effort to reform his life, primarily for his daughter’s sake. Tragically, this new chapter ended prematurely when he suffered a fatal fall at a construction site in Essex the day before yesterday.

In my role as a dedicated member of the Gogglebox community, I’m saddened to share that George, who graced our screens alongside his mom Linda and step-dad Pete for eight seasons, has passed away.

At this deeply sorrowful moment, our heartfelt sympathies go out to Linda and the entire circle of George’s loved ones. We kindly respect their wish for seclusion during this difficult period.

After George passed away, I learned that his mom, Linda, had endured a stroke about half a year later. She attributes this health issue to the emotional distress and heartache stemming from his demise.

In December, she shared with new! magazine that three months prior, she suffered a severe stroke. She feels incredibly fortunate that her friends were present and managed to take her to the hospital. At that moment, she had just taken a shower and was sitting on the couch with her phone nearby. Her friend called, but she couldn’t respond.

Linda, dealing with Parkinson’s disease as well, found herself urgently taken to the emergency room for treatment that she described as ‘unpleasant’.

I shared: “I had a tube inserted into my throat, and it was truly distressing. The examinations were unable to pinpoint the cause, but I suspect it may have been due to the shock of George’s situation. Nothing compares to the stress I experienced.

She mentioned: ‘I’m unable to make my bed or work in the garden, as I need to take short breaks after completing small tasks, but I’m really passionate about karaoke! It turns out to be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease and helps keep your mind sharp.’

The mother who was mourning, too, confessed that she’s been revisiting old episodes of Gogglebox as a means to recall fond memories of her son.

Pete McGarry

In June 2021, at the age of 71, George Gilbey’s stepfather passed away due to bowel cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.

Earlier this year, his cherished spouse, Linda, disclosed that he had been given a diagnosis of a serious illness. After a recent surgery to eliminate the tumor, he was informed that he had approximately six months left to live.

He passed away only a few days following his diagnosis, with his wife sharing with The Sun: “Pete was an extraordinary person, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared 25 years of my life with him.

A statement from the family revealed that Pete’s absence will be deeply felt by everyone associated with Gogglebox, including both the family members and team. Our sympathies go out to Linda, her kids, and grandkids during this difficult time.

Pete and Linda have been caring for more than 100 children since the year 2000. He is cherished as a loving father, husband, and grandfather.

Rufus the cat

Earlier this week, the Siddiquis announced on Instagram that their beloved cat Rufus had tragically passed away at the age of 15.

In my heart, I penned this tender farewell: ‘Goodnight, our enchanting feline prince, Rufus. As I gaze upon these cherished memories captured in photographs, each one a testament to your irresistible charm and captivating spirit, I find myself lost in the magic of your presence.’

’15 and a half years wasn’t long enough, you were and always will be a big part of our lives. 

‘The most chilled, cuddly and beautiful boy who made us a family right back at the beginning. 

‘Lots of memories that we will never forget and we are truly grateful to have known & loved you.

‘Sleep tight our handsome Boy.’

As a lifestyle enthusiast, it’s heartbreaking to express my condolences on losing a cherished family member. Reading such unfortunate news never fails to stir deep emotions within me. Rest In Peace, your stunning son.

I deeply regret your sorrow, dear friend. Time may be too brief with those we cherish, yet aren’t we incredibly fortunate to have been chosen by them?

‘So sorry for your loss. They’re such huge part of the family.’; ‘Aw bless.’;

‘I know that pain thinking of you all.’

Pat Webb 

The beloved Gogglebox star died aged 75 in January 2024 following a ‘long illness’.

Pat, who featured on the show from series 10 to 12 alongside her son Stephen Lustig-Webb.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Stephen, who had been a part of the show for a decade prior to his departure in 2023, published an endearing picture featuring him and his mother, informing his followers about this significant change.

Dear Mummy Pat, you were truly unique, always accepting people as they are, willing to give your last dollar to a stranger, a genuine gem, and the very heart of our universe. May you find eternal peace, mum.

Pat joined Gogglebox after Stephen’s ex-partner Chris Steed left the programme in 2018.

From 2019 until 2023, Stephen appeared alongside his now ex husband Daniel.

Stephen was one of the series’ longest-running stars having joined when it first started in 2013.

Dave the Rottweiler 

In the autumn of 2023, I, a devoted follower, felt my heart heavy with sorrow upon learning that our cherished canine companion, Dave, from the esteemed Gogglebox Malone family, had sadly passed away.

The lovable dog became well-known to countless viewers because it frequently graced the screen on Channel 4’s program, sharing time with the family members: Tom Senior, Julie, Shaun, and Junior Tom.

The family took to Instagram to share their heartbreak as they confirmed the upsetting news. 

They shared a touching video of a Rottweiler standing on their driveway, patiently waiting for Senior Tom’s arrival, accompanied by an emotional message.

They overflowed with affection for their cherished pooch, Dave, expressing how deeply he was treasured in their hearts. They admitted that his absence would be felt incredibly profoundly.

They wrote: ‘RIP Dave xxx There are no words to describe you, or how much you meant to us.

‘We are all going to miss you so much.’

Mary Cook

The TV personality, famed for her witty one-liners, died aged 92 in August 2021. 

She appeared alongside the show with her best friend Marina Wingrove. 

Channel 4 shared the unfortunate news, stating: ‘With profound sadness, we announce the passing of beloved Gogglebox star Mary Cook at the age of 92 over the weekend. She was surrounded by her family in the hospital.’

‘She will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.’

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to note that Mary was cherished as a loving mother, a treasured grandmother, an adored great-grandmother, and a dearly valued friend by countless individuals.

In a different phraseology, we find that Mary, previously employed within the hospitality sector, was married and then widowed on two occasions. About over a decade prior to her passing, she crossed paths with her dearest friend Marina at St Monica Trust’s retirement community.

In 2016, they began appearing on Gogglebox during the eighth season’s premiere. Their quick-witted, sometimes mischievous remarks immediately won over viewers, making them popular favorites.

Andy Michael 

The Gogglebox star also died in August 2021 aged 61 following a short illness.

Initially, this family made their debut on Gogglebox during the very first episode back in 2013. However, they were no longer part of the show starting from 2014, as Andy decided to compete for Ukip in the 2015 General Election. Unfortunately, he didn’t succeed in winning the Hastings and Rye seat, leading to their departure. But don’t worry, they reappeared on Gogglebox for subsequent episodes after his election bid fell short.

The television personality, known for his candid weekly discussions with his family (Carolyn, Katy, Alex, Pascal, and Louis) from their home in Brighton, was himself born to immigrant parents hailing from Cyprus.

The family shared their sadness with the Press Association News Agency, expressing that they regrettably announce the death of Gogglebox’s Andy Michael, who passed away at the age of 61 after battling a brief illness.

Last weekend, Andy, a former hotel owner known for his humor and wisdom on Gogglebox, peacefully left us surrounded by his loved ones. He was one of the inaugural cast members of the show, gracing our screens in the first episode back in 2013.

As dear father to Katy, Alex, Pascal, and Louis, and treasured spouse of Carolyne, Andy was deeply admired and held in high esteem within the Gogglebox family. His absence will be felt with great sorrow.

Let’s keep Carolyne and her whole family in our hearts during these difficult times. They have requested that their privacy be respected during this sad period.

June and Leon Bernicoff

June died in May 2020 aged 82 – three years after her husband Leon passed away. 

After a brief ailment, the former teacher passed away, having been an inaugural member of the Gogglebox cast, alongside her husband.

In 2018, she chose to exit the show as a result of Leon’s passing in December 2017, at the age of 83, after a brief period of sickness.

It is with profound sorrow that we share the news: Gogglebox’s cherished star, June Bernicoff, aged 82, peacefully passed away on May 5, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness. This announcement comes from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, on behalf of June’s family.

Initially appearing on Gogglebox in 2013 as one of the original couples, June and her spouse, Leon, played significant roles in the show’s triumph.

Over the first ten seasons, their charm, humor, and distinct characters won over the hearts of the nation.

After Leon passed away in December 2017, June penned her debut book titled “Leon And June: Our Story.” This heartwarming and engaging work served as an enchanting narrative of their sixty-year romantic journey.

In 1955, June crossed paths with Leon at a teacher training college. However, they hid their friendship for an entire half-decade, because June was aware that Leon’s Jewish relatives might not accept her due to their contrasting religious beliefs – she being Catholic and them Jewish.

In 1960, they got married and settled down together in the Liverpool house where they were seen on the TV show, Gogglebox. They went on to have four children and three grandchildren.

Caroline Aherne 

The comic great died in 2016 aged 52 following a two year battle with lung cancer. 

In addition to her role in The Royle Family, she appeared in its special episodes in both 2006 and 2010. Then, starting from 2013, she lent her voice to the popular series, Gogglebox.

As a devoted admirer, I’m heartbroken to share that Caroline Aherne, our beloved comedic genius, has tragically left us. She fought valiantly against cancer, but her spirit was simply too indomitable to be contained by this disease. Her laughter and talent will forever live on in our hearts.

The BAFTA-award winning author and comedic performer passed away earlier today at her residence in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52 years old.

Aherne sadly died at her residence in Cheshire, as her family was unaware of her declining health and could not be by her side, according to a family source who spoke to The Mirror.

They remarked that it happened much faster than anticipated, as they hadn’t foreseen her passing away. She wasn’t residing in a hospice; instead, she was at home when she chose to leave by herself.

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2025-02-20 14:50

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