‘Gogglebox’ star June Bernicoff has died aged 82.
The much-loved television personality starred on the Channel 4 series – which sees regular people comment on a series of television programmes – since its conception in 2013, but after a "short illness", she has sadly passed away.
June’s death comes after her husband Leon, who starred alongside her on ‘Gogglebox’, also died in 2017.
Channel 4 confirmed the sad news in a statement, which read: "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."
June and Leon were the first couple to be cast for the reality show, and quickly became fan favourites thanks to their "warmth, wit, and contrasting personalities".
Channel 4’s statement continued: "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.
"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."
June departed from ‘Gogglebox’ after Leon’s passing, but "remained a passionate supporter of the programme".
The broadcaster explained: "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."
Whilst the illness that caused June’s death has not yet been revealed, Channel 4’s statement insists her passing was "not related" to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has died
