Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

A man has been arrested on suspicion of gross manslaughter in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey, who died after a fall at work, Essex Police said.

The reality TV personality was pronounced dead on Wednesday after reportedly falling from a height.

Police were called to Shoebury Ness in Southend-on-Sea at around 10am, where a spokesman confirmed the 40-year-old man had been injured at work.

The ambulance service and air ambulance attended, but despite their best efforts, he died at the scene.

In its latest statement, Essex Police said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Canfield Road, Shoebury, we have arrested a man in his 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of Gross manslaughter.

“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our investigation is ongoing.”

Gilbey appears in the hit Channel 4 drama alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry. Pete McGarry passed away in 2021 at the age of 71. The trio joined the show, which attracts people watching and commentating on the hit TV show, in 2013 and ran for eight seasons.

The news was first shared by TV personality Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared on Celebrity big brother 2014 with Gilbey.

“It breaks my heart, but George Gilbey you’re fine, really [sic] I will miss my friends,” he wrote on X on Wednesday (March 27).

“Always brightening a room, caring about others and the memories we make, I will always cherish brother. From CBB to talking to you last week, I will miss you so much, ma boiii! Love you GG.”

Guanacio added in another tweet that Gilbey died in a “workplace accident.”

Channel 4 said in a statement: “George was part of the Gogglebox family, producing eight series with his mum Linda and stepdad Pete. “At this very sad time, our thoughts go out to Linda and George’s family. Family and friends offer their deepest condolences. The family requests privacy.”

More on this breaking news story