George Gilbey: Tributes to Essex star as man arrested

In a statement issued on Thursday, Essex Police said a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after the death of the Gogglebox star who died after a fall at work.

The force said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury, on Wednesday, March 27, 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.”

• Online book of condolence for St Osyth TV star George Gilbey - share your memories

• Stars pay tribute to Essex Gogglebox favourite George Gilbey who has died aged 40

Missed - George Gilbey appeared on Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

The reality star was best known for appearing on Channel 4’s Gogglebox alongside his mum Linda McGarry and stepdad Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.

He also reached the final of the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

Tributes to Essex TV star George Gilbey

Tributes have poured in after the news of the 40-year-old’s death broke on Wednesday.

Tracey Moorhouse regularly met George while she was singing at St Osyth Social Club.

Tribute - Tracey Moorhouse and George Gilbey at St Osyth Social Club (Image: Tracey Moorhouse)

She wrote: “Can't believe you are gone. What a funny, wonderful soul. I loved that you loved my singing and the little chats we had. Rest in peace George.”

His former neighbour Lisa Barratt said she “can’t believe I was only talking” to George and his mum last week.

“Condolences to your mum Lyn and your beautiful daughter,” she wrote. “Rest easy now.”

George’s death was confirmed by a spokesman for Gogglebox on Wednesday evening.

George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad 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. pic.twitter.com/VMp1XkxvPG

— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) March 27, 2024

A statement 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.”

George 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.

His celebrity friends have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the reality star.

TV personality Lizzie Cundy wrote: “So very very sad about gorgeous George Gilbey’s passing. Such fun memories of him."

From Carson Loveless

Leave your tribute hereCondolences to his family and his friends

From Michelle & Matt Ford

Leave your tribute hereSt Osyth just won’t be the same- such a friendly, funny guy. RIP George x

From Lisa Barrett

Leave your tribute hereKnew you before Googlebox as my neighbour. Always had a chat, and a laugh. Can’t believe I was only talking to you and mum last week. Condolences to your Mum Lyn and your beautiful daughter. Rest easy now x

From Lindsey Procter Was Porter

Leave your tribute hereTaken too soon R.I.P George xx Thoughts remain with your family and friends 🧡

From Scott dyer

Leave your tribute heremy favourite memory is you turning up to college in tiny shorts flip flops with a macds in hand always needed to borrow a pen! and the story of being at Norwich city FC working belting out I'm forever blowing bubbles absolutely rolled me up! RIP George you will be missed.

From Tracey Moorhouse

Leave your tribute hereCan't believe you are gone what a funny wonderful soul I loved that you loved my singing and the little chats we had xxx Rest in Peace George xxx

Share any pictures here

St Osyth social club