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George Gilbey: Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star is released

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

A man arrested in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey has been released under investigation.

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

Gilbey, 40, a self-employed electrician, died at the scene.

Detectives said a man in his 40s, from the Witham area, had been released after being held 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.

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 ran his own company WindG Ltd in Clacton-on-Sea, also on the Essex coast, according to LinkedIn.

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

Along with his mother and stepfather, Gilbey featured on Channel 4's Gogglebox between 2013 and 2018 and he also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

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

Tributes poured in on Wednesday, led by Channel 4, which posted on its official X account: "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."

His stepfather Mr McGarry died in 2021, aged 71.

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

Former Geordie Shore personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother alongside Gilbey, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "You are well and truly going to be missed my friend.

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

Guarnaccio said they spoke to one another last week.

Former EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook also shared a photo of Gilbey on Instagram and wrote: "Goodnight, my darling friend George. I'm absolutely gutted."

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

EGL Homecare declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.

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