George Gilbey’s heartbroken mother has spoken about her devastation following the death of her son. Last week, former Gogglebox star Gilbey died aged 40 in a ‘freak’ workplace accident in Essex after falling 80 feet through a skylight , with a man then arrested and later released in connection with his death. Now, his mum Linda McGarry, 74, has paid tribute. ‘I’m devastated, he was like my best friend,’ she said. ‘He had the best heart in the world. He was generous, funny and kind, with bundles of charm and buckets of personality. ‘He did more in his 40 years than people do in 90 – he’s even had dinner with the Prince of Dubai.’ She continued: ‘He was crazy, but after coming out of showbiz, he couldn’t get his life back together. He just couldn’t get over the death of Pete.’ George’s stepdad Pete died aged 71 in 2021 shortly after being diagnosed with bowel
cancer. Linda also shared with the Swindon Advertiser that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and her on had struggled with the news. ‘I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and George took it worse than me. He was a mummy’s boy,’ she shared. She also said that while he became a celebrity ‘overnight’ he wasn’t interested in fame, and instead used his public profile for charity work. George met ex-partner Gemma Conway after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, with the pair later welcoming their daughter, who is now seven. Gogglebox star George Gilbey's death aged 40 shocks TV world after 'freak accident' Gogglebox star's
Friends launch fundraiser for funeral costs after shock death Man arrested after death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey released under investigation Remembering the Gogglebox stars who have died after George Gilbey’s death Linda described her granddaughter as being Gilbey’s ‘absolute world’ and that he ‘lived for that little girl and his mum’. She went on to explain that her son was a ‘real contradiction’ and was ‘so funny and so intelligent’. ‘He was smart, which allowed him to be quick-witted and he was loud and outgoing, but at the same time very sensitive. He helped others, but he struggled himself,’ she added. Gilbey first appeared on the Channel 4 programme in September 2013 with his mum and stepdad, before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother the following year, where he finished in fourth place. The family returned to Gogglebox in 2016, before Gilbey left two years later while his mum and stepdad continued without him until 2020. Gilbey’s death was confirmed by his sister who wrote on social media: ‘Rest in eternal paradise brother. Far too young but god only takes the best.’ Sharing a statement soon after, a Channel 4 spokesperson said their ‘thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time’. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. MORE : Gogglebox star’s friends launch fundraiser for funeral costs after shock death in ‘work accident’ MORE : Gogglebox viewers heartbroken over tribute to George Gilbey