Man arrested after ‘Gogglebox’ star falls to his death at warehouse
A man has been arrested after a star of TV show Gogglebox fell to his death at work.
Essex Police said a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of George Gilbey, who died on Wednesday.
The force was called to a road in Shoebury near Southend after reports that Gilbey had fallen from a height while working at a warehouse.
The 40-year-old reality star was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 series, in which participants watch and comment on TV shows from the previous week, alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.
An Essex Police statement said:
“As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury, we have arrested a man in their 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our inquiries are ongoing.”
A Gogglebox spokesperson said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad 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.”
Former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 alongside Gilbey, paid tribute to his friend and former co-star on X, formerly Twitter, and said in a follow-up post that he had been involved in an “accident at work”. He said: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely [sic] 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 G.”
Gilbey joined the award-winning Channel 4 programme for its second series in 2013 before he and his family were dropped in 2014 after he signed up to Celebrity Big Brother. The family later returned to the series.
The Essex reality star appeared on the then-Channel 5 reality show alongside celebrities including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who won.
Mr Gilbey’s Celebrity Big Brother appearance was in the 14th series of the show. He made the final, finishing fourth.