‘Gogglebox’ has paid tribute to June Bernicoff after her death 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 sadly passed away on Tuesday (05.05.20).
And Friday’s (08.05.20) episode of the show was dedicated to June, with the message: "In loving memory June Bernicoff. 1937-2020."
The show’s official Twitter account also shared a classic clip of June during her time on the show, hoovering biscuit crumbs off her husband Leon’s jumper.
Leon, who starred alongside June on ‘Gogglebox’, also died in 2017.
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 said in a statement: "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.
"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."
Gogglebox’s tribute to June Bernicoff
