Gogglebox legend, Leon Bernicoff, has died.
In a Tweet, Channel 4 confirmed: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and Gogglebox legend Leon.”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and #Gogglebox legend Leon. We will all miss him so very dearly. Our thoughts are with June and family at this incredibly sad time. 💔
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) December 23, 2017
“We will all miss him so very dearly. Our thoughts are with June and family at this incredibly sad time.”
He was 83.
“The retired teacher and his wife June were one of the first couples to join the show’s cast when it launched in 2013,” reports the BBC.
Mr Bernicoff died in hospital on Saturday.
Channel 4 and Studio Lambert furthermore added in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news that after a short illness Gogglebox’s Leon Bernicoff passed away in hospital earlier today.
“Leon and his wife June were the first members of the public to be cast for Gogglebox back in early 2013, and they soon grew to become much-loved voices during the course of the show’s 10 series to date.
“Leon’s unique personality and sharp wit endeared him to fans of the show, as he contributed fully to Gogglebox’s reputation as a programme full of warm humour and unvarnished opinion.
So deeply saddened at the passing of our dear, dear Leon. He was and always will be the grandfather of #gogglebox – an absolute star who always made me laugh with his sharp wit and unshakable opinions. Much love and strength to June and the Bernicoff family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hFJdkNDBd1
— Tania Alexander (@Tanialalexander) December 23, 2017
“To those of us that knew him personally, Leon was a man of unwavering principles who exerted a distinct paternal presence both on and off screen. He will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family; cast and crew.”
Mr Bernicoff was born on October 27 1934. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Liam Gallagher was among those to pay tribute on social media.
RIP Leon Gogglebox as you were LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 23, 2017
