Investigative authorities have restricted access to the area where Gogglebox star 40-year-old George Gilbey died after a fall.
The TV personality, who appeared on the Channel 4 show with his mother Linda and late stepfather Pete, died in an unexpected 'work accident' in Shoebury, Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday morning.
The police, while not officially naming Gilbey, confirmed that they were called to a situation where a man fell from a height and was injured. He passed away at the location.
Now, officers have closed off the premises where Gilbey died in order to conduct inquiries.
Gilbey’s sister confirmed his death on social media, writing: 'Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.'
His mother Linda is said to be very upset, with a source revealing The Sun: 'This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.
'George was like her little treasure.'
Tributes have been pouring in, including from Gogglebox fans and Gilbey’s Celebrity Big Brother co-star Ricci Guarnaccio.
Ricci wrote on X: 'Breaks my [heart] but @georgegilbey you are well and truly going to be missed my friend.
'Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you GG.'
Gilbey’s his last social media image was posted just days before his passing.
He shared a smiling selfie on Facebook and seemed, according to prior posts, to have been on his way back from the gym.
In a statement released to Metro.co.uk, a representative for Gogglebox stated: 'George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight seasons alongside his mother Linda and stepfather Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.'
A spokesperson for Essex Police told Metro.co.uk: 'We got 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 were in attendance. Unfortunately, the man passed away at the location.
‘We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.'
Gilbey first appeared on Gogglebox with Linda and Pete in September 2013 before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother the following year, finishing in fourth place.
The family returned to Gogglebox in 2016, before Gilbey left two years later and Linda and Pete continued without him until 2020. Pete passed away in 2021 after a brief sickness.
