Tributes paid to Gogglebox star after fall death
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Tributes have been paid to reality TV personality George Gilbey, who has died after suffering a fall at work.
Essex Police said it was called to a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, on Wednesday, after reports that a man working at height had fallen.
The 40-year-old, a self-employed electrician, died at the scene.
Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4's Gogglebox and also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Essex Police are investigating the incident.
C4 Gogglebox wrote on its official X account: "George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time."
His stepfather Peter McGarry died in 2021, aged 71.
Gilbey worked as an electrician, according to LinkedIn, and ran his own company, WindG Ltd, in Clacton.
Gilbey was one of the early regulars on the reality show, where TV viewers are filming reacting to programmes, appearing between 2013 and 2018.
He appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 when the franchise was broadcast on Channel 5, finishing fourth.
Former Geordie Shore personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother alongside Mr Gilbey, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "You are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
"Always lit up the room, cared for others and the memories we made I’ll cherish forever brother."
Guarnaccio said they spoke to one another last week.
Former EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook also shared a photo of Gilbey on Instagram and wrote: "Goodnight, my darling friend George. I'm absolutely gutted."
Fans of the programme have been posting tributes on the Gogglebox fan page on Facebook.
One said Gilbey and his family “were great on Gogglebox. I was over the moon when they came back on it, I think it was 2016. Thank you to all of them for making me laugh. My thoughts are with George's family and friends.”
Another posted condolences to George’s mother Linda: “Our hearts go out to Linda. To lose them both is so heartbreaking for her. Sending love and best wishes to you Linda take care of yourself.”
Essex-based radio presenter Ian Wyatt spoke to Gilbey on several occasions at events and told BBC Essex: "He was always very kind with his time coming on my programmes to talk about his role in Gogglebox.
"He was very, very approachable, very, very likeable - you'd have his mobile number which you could call at any time, he wasn't precious at all about that sort of thing."
Michael Eyre, a site manager for a cleaning company in Halstead, remembered offering Gilbey a job after meeting him at a celebrity football match. Mr Eyre's son was playing in the game.
"It's very, very sad," said the 69-year-old.
"He was a charming, amusing lad, he said to me, he had his beer in his hand, and he said 'I'm just like Gazza' - not playing football, I just drink a lot - he had a nice sense of humour."
After prompting from Gilbey's mother, Mr Eyre offered him a temporary electrician job, which he took up.
Essex Police said it was called to the incident in Campfield Road at about 10:00 GMT on Wednesday after reports "a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury".
"We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive," a force spokesperson added.
"A cordon remains in place at the scene."
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “We are aware of the incident and working with Essex Police in their investigation.”
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