Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey
Kya Buller
Featured Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for St Joseph's Hospice and Haven House Children's Hospice
A man has been arrested in connection with the death of George Gilbey, star of Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother.
Gilbey, a self-employed electrician, died yesterday (27 March) aged 40, after being fatally injured when he fell from a height during a workplace accident.
It has now been confirmed by Essex Police that a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with his death.
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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."
In an emotional statement yesterday evening, Gogglebox said: "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."
Police told the Sun that George tragically died in an accident while working at height.
A spokesperson for Essex Police explained: "We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
"The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance.
"Sadly, the man died at the scene."
The public first learned of George's passing after his friend Ricci Guarnaccio, of Geordie Shore, broke the sad news on X.
He wrote: "Breaks my [heart] but @georgegilbey you are well and truely 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 GG."
George shot to fame after appearing on the second season of Gogglebox in 2013 alongside close knit family members, mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry.
The family left the show for a brief stint in 2014, but delighted fans with their return in 2016 - albeit without George.
They stayed on the show until 2021, when Pete sadly died from cancer at the age of 71.
Speaking to the Sun at the time, Linda opened up: "Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years.
"I said to him, ‘We’ve not only been 25 years, it’s been day and night with each other.’ He was my life."
Well loved personality George also made an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.
His involvement proved a huge success with audiences, and he made it to the final, finishing in fourth place.
Many have paid tribute to George since his untimely passing.
EastEnders star, Daniella Westbrook wrote: "Gone too soon. Good night, my darling friend George. I'm absolutely gutted xxx."
A fan wrote on X: "RIP George Gilbey. I remember him on CBB and he seemed like such a nice chill guy. So sad."
Another person added: "Such a heartbreaking loss. RIP George Gilbey, gone too soon."
Rest in peace.