Gogglebox favourite Scouse Leon dies aged 83

GOGGLEBOX favourite Leon Bernicoff has died aged 83, Channel 4 announced last night.

The retired teacher and proud socialist passed away in hospital yesterday after a short illness, leaving beloved wife June behind.

The couple, who had 221,000 followers on Twitter, stole viewers’ hearts with their adoring gazes, mushy comments and harmless bickering. They were the first to be cast for the Channel 4 series when it launched in 2013.

The Liverpool couple wed 57 years ago after meeting at a teacher-training college in 1955.

LOVE

Leon’s Jewish family clashed with June’s Catholic upbringing, and the couple had to sneak around and keep their relationship a secret for four years.

June revealed the longest time they were apart was four days. On the programme, Leon regularly told of his love for Everton FC and his loathing for David Cameron and Nigel Farage.

Channel 4 said: “Leon was a man of unwavering principles who exerted a distinct paternal presence on and off screen.

“He will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Our thoughts are with June, his two daughters, sons-in- law and beloved grandchildren.”

Fellow Gogglebox star Kate Bottley wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear the news, prayers and love for June and the family.”

Show creator Tania Alexander tweeted: “So deeply saddened at the passing of our dear, dear Leon. He was and always will be the grandfather of #gogglebox.”

The Bafta-winning show, now in its tenth series, attracted three million viewers last month.

Leon and June