Gogglebox star's heartache as husband and son die within three years of each other

Gogglebox star Linda McGarry has sadly experienced substantial loss over the past three years following the deaths of both her husband and son. Today, news broke confirming that her son George Gilbey, who regularly appeared on the Channel 4 show with her, died tragically at 40 years old following a reported workplace accident.

George, who was known for providing amusing banter from his living room, shared the screen with his mum and stepfather. The Essex-based family became instant sensations after joining Gogglebox in 2014, with the trio of Linda, George, and husband Pete becoming household names almost overnight.

But by 2015, they had exited the show, and George went on to feature in Celebrity Big Brother. In 2016, the family, including George, Linda, and Pete made a comeback to the Gogglebox settee.

Unfortunately, the family faced another massive loss when Pete passed away suddenly last year. Aged 71 at the time, Pete's death came soon after he discovered he had only six months to live due to bowel cancer.

Linda detailed that losing Pete was difficult for her son, who was deeply saddened by his step-father's death.

Remembering her husband, she expressed: "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."

Sharing a heartfelt message she received, Linda added: "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."

Following the news of George's death, Essex Police said in a statement today: "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, attended. Sadly, the man died at the scene."

Linda has yet to comment on her son's death, but previously spoke about the impact her husband's passing had on their family.

"Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years," she told The Sun in 2021.

"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."

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."

Express.co.uk previously reached out to George's representatives for comment.