UMVA has learned that the Gogglebox community is in mourning after the death of beloved star Ken Harwood, who passed away last week at the age of 77 after a short illness.
Ken Harwood, from County Durham, had been a regular on the Channel 4 show from 2020 to 2022, appearing alongside his wife of 55 years, Anne. The production company behind the show, Studio Lambert, issued a statement saying that Ken would be "dearly missed" by his family and all who knew him.
The news of Harwood's death comes as a shock to fans and fellow stars, who are still reeling from the loss of several other Gogglebox personalities in recent years. Let's take a look back at those who have contributed to the popular programme and are no longer with us.
One of the most recent losses was George Gilbey, who died in March 2024 due to an accident at work. The 33-year-old self-employed electrician fell through a skylight while working on a roof at a warehouse in Shoeburyness, Essex, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gogglebox paid tribute to Gilbey, who had been part of the show's family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete. The show's production team expressed their deepest condolences to Linda and George's family and friends at the time.
Gilbey's stepdad, Pete McGarry, also passed away in June 2021 after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 71 years old and died at his home in Essex, surrounded by his family, including wife Linda.
Pat Webb, affectionately known as "Mummy Pat," died aged 75 in January after a long illness. She was a much-loved cast member on the show from series 10-12 alongside her son Stephen, who paid a heartfelt tribute to her on social media.
Another beloved couple, Leon and June Bernicoff, were a firm favourite on the Channel 4 programme. Leon died in December 2017 at the age of 83, and his wife June passed away just a few months later at the age of 82.
June and Leon were a huge part of Gogglebox's success, with their warmth, wit, and contrasting personalities endearing them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series. The show's production team remembered June as a "remarkably independent, principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life."
Mary Cook, a cheeky and lovable star, died aged 92 in August 2021. She first appeared on the show alongside her best friend, Marina Wingrove, in 2016, and they spent the next five years delighting viewers with their hilarious banter.
Andy Michael, a much-loved member of the Gogglebox family, died aged 61 in August 2021, following a short illness. He was one of the show's original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013.
Caroline Aherne, the show's narrator for three years from its inception, died in July 2016 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. She was 52 years old and left a lasting legacy on the show.
