Leon, lovable Leftie star of Gogglebox, dies aged 83
TRIBUTES poured in last night for Leon Bernicoff, ‘the grandfather of Gogglebox’, who has died aged 83 after a short illness.
The retired teacher and his wife June were among the first people to be signed up for the popular Channel 4 show when it launched in 2013.
His wicked sense of humour and Left-wing rants, and the couple’s endearing relationship, made them firm favourites with viewers.
In one of his last appearances, the father of two from Liverpool lit up Twitter when he pronounced judgment on under-fire Cabinet Minister Damian Green. He said: ‘You’re never innocent if you’re a Tory.’
But it was Mr Bernicoff’s touching relationship with June, also a retired teacher, which endeared him to millions.
She was always on hand to make sure his verbal assaults did not go too far. Gogglebox 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 – an absolute star who always made me laugh.’
In a statement on behalf of Mr Bernicoff’s family, Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Mr Bernicoff is survived by his wife, two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.