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George Gilbey: Arrest in connection with death of Gogglebox star

PA Media George Gilbey waving at Celebrity Big BrotherPA Media
George Gilbey appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey after the 40-year-old died in a fall at work.

Essex Police was called to Shoeburyness near Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday after reports that a man working at height had fallen.

Gilbey, a self-employed electrician, died at the scene.

The force said it had arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

"This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and our inquiries are ongoing," a spokesperson added.

Channel 4 George Gilbey, his mother Linda and late stepfather Pete, sitting on a black sofaChannel 4
George Gilbey, his mother Linda and late stepfather, Pete, were a regular fixture on the Channel 4 show between 2013 and 2018

The incident happened at EGL Homecare, a manufacturing business in Campfield Road, where a single bouquet of flowers could be seen beside entrance gates on Thursday morning.

Gilbey, along with his mum and step dad, featured in eight series of Channel 4's Gogglebox, between 2013 and 2018, and he also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

The reality star appeared on the then-Channel 5 contest alongside celebrities including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who won the series.

C4 Gogglebox wrote on its official X account: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George's family and friends at this very sad time."

Gilbey ran his own company WindG Ltd in Clacton-on-Sea, according to LinkedIn

Getty Images George Gilbey, Linda Gilbey and Pete McGarry standing togetherGetty Images
George Gilbey appeared on Gogglebox with his mother Linda Gilbey and stepfather Pete McGarry

Former Geordie Shore cast member Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother with Gilbey, said he spoke to his friend only last week.

"You are well and truly going to be missed my friend," he wrote on X.

"Always lit up the room, cared for others and the memories we made I'll cherish forever."

Lewis Adams/BBC A bouquet of flowers outside an industrial siteLewis Adams/BBC
A single bouquet of flowers could be seen at the gates to EGL Homecare on Thursday morning

Radio presenter Ian Wyatt spoke to Gilbey on several occasions at events and told BBC Essex: "He was very, very approachable, very, very likeable - you'd have his mobile number which you could call at any time... he wasn't precious at all about that sort of thing."

A spokesperson for the HSE said: "We are aware of the incident and working with Essex Police in their investigation."

Police said the arrested man was from the Witham area of Essex and further updates would be announced "proactively".

EGL Homecare declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.

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