- Reality TV personality George Gilbey dies in workplace accident
- Essex Police and HSE investigating the incident
- Tributes pour in from friends and Gogglebox fans
Respect has been extended to the deceased reality television personality George Gilbey, who was injured in a workplace accident.
Wednesday, Essex Police was dispatched to a road in Shoebury, close to Southend-on-Sea, in response to a report of a man who had fallen while working at height.
The self-employed electrician, aged 40, perished instantly at the location.
In addition to eight seasons of Channel 4’s Gogglebox, Gilbey competed in the 2014 season of Celebrity Big Brother.
Essex Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are conducting investigations into the incident.
C4 Gogglebox wrote on its official X account: “George, his mother Linda, and stepfather Pete were all members of the Gogglebox family for eight series.
During this time of great sorrow, our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Linda, as well as George’s family and friends.
The 71-year-old stepfather, Peter McGarry, passed away in 2021.
LinkedIn states that Gilbey was an electrician by trade and that he operated his own business in Clacton, WindG Ltd.
Between 2013 and 2018, Gilbey was one of the first regulars on the reality show, in which viewers record their reactions to television programs.
In 2014, he participated in Celebrity Big Brother, which was broadcast on Channel 5, and achieved the fourth spot in the competition.
Ricci Guarnaccio, a former Geordie Shore personality who concurrently competed with Mr Gilbey on Celebrity Big Brother, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “My friend, you will be sincerely missed.
Brother, you have always warmed up a room, shown concern for others, and created memories that I will always cherish.
Guarnaccio reported that they had a conversation last week.
Daniella Westbrook, a former EastEnders actress, also posted a photo of George Gilbey to Instagram with the following caption: “Goodnight, my dear companion George. I am profoundly distressed.”
Dedicated Gogglebox supporters have been sharing eulogies on the organization’s Facebook page.
“Gilbey and his family were phenomenal on Gogglebox,” said one. I believe it was 2016 when they finally resumed work on it; I was ecstatic. Each of you is to be thanked for bringing a smile to my face. My condolences are extended to George’s family and associates.
An additional user expressed sympathy towards Linda, George’s mother, by writing, “Our deepest condolences are with Linda.” The thought of losing both of them breaks her heart. “Best wishes and affection are being sent your way, Linda; remember to take care of yourself.”
On multiple occasions at events, Essex-based radio host Ian Wyatt spoke with Gilbey. He remarked, “He was consistently gracious in dedicating his time to appear on my programs to discuss his involvement in Gogglebox.
He was extremely, extremely approachable and pleasant; you had his mobile phone number on file, and you were free to call him whenever you pleased; he had nothing precious to say about such matters.
Michael Eyre, a site manager for a Halstead-based cleaning company, recalled extending an employment offer to Gilbey at a celebrity football game. Mr Eyre’s son participated in the competition.
“It is beyond tragic,” the 69-year-old exclaimed.
He said to me while holding a beer and remarked, “I’m just like Gazza; I don’t play football; I just drink a lot.” He was an endearing and humorous young man with a good sense of humor.
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At Gilbey’s mother’s insistence, Mr Eyre extended him an offer for a provisional electrician position, which he accepted.
Wednesday at approximately 10:00 GMT, Essex Police were dispatched to the Campfield Road incident following reports that a man working at height had collapsed and sustained an injury.
A force spokesperson added, “We will maintain communication with partners, including the Health and Safety Executive.”
A cordon is still present at the location.
“We are aware of the incident and assisting Essex Police with their investigation,” stated an HSE spokesperson.
