Channel 4 Confirms 'Gogglebox' Favourite June Bernicoff Has Died Aged 82

Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has sadly died, Channel 4 has confirmed.

The TV favourite passed away following a short illness while being treated in a hospice, three years on from her husband Leon.

Announcing the news in a statement on behalf of June's family, Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox's much-loved June Bernicoff passed away at the age of 82 on May 5 at home with her family by her side after a short illness.

"As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013 June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme's success. Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series.

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"Following Leon's passing in December 2017, June wrote her first book, Leon and June: Our Story, which was a deeply moving and entertaining chronicle of their 60-year love affair.

"A remarkably independent, principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life, June will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Despite her departure from the show in 2017, she remained a passionate supporter of the programme, watching it every week, and she was in regular contact with the production team.

"Our thoughts are with June's family - Helen and Ian, Julie and Marc, and her beloved grandchildren Frances, Sam and Faye. The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks.

"June's death was not related to Covid 19."

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Liverpool locals June and Leon captured the nation's hearts when they appeared on the Channel 4 sofa show together, letting us into their living rooms every week to watch them discuss the latest telly, bicker and share romantic moments.

June's husband of 57 years passed away in 2017, also after a short illness. Sweetly, she later told Graham Norton he had insisted on filming their final episode of Gogglebox together, despite his illness.

The couple are survived by their daughters, Helen and Julie, and their families.

RIP June, and best wishes to her family.

Topics: gogglebox

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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