Gogglebox star Leon Bernicoff dies aged 83

The retired teacher was a regular on the show with his wife June

Gogglebox star Leon Bernicoff has died aged 83, Channel 4 has said.

The retired teacher and his wife June were one of the first couples to join the Googlebox cast when the show launched in 2013.

Bernicoff died in hospital after a short illness, Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said in a statement issued on behalf of his family.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news that after a short illness Gogglebox's Leon Bernicoff passed away in hospital earlier today," the statement says

"Leon and his wife June were the first members of the public to be cast for Gogglebox back in early 2013, and they soon grew to become much-loved voices during the course of the show's 10 series to date.

"Leon's unique personality and sharp wit endeared him to fans of the show, as he contributed fully to Gogglebox's reputation as a programme full of warm humour and unvarnished opinion.

"To those of us that knew him personally, Leon was a man of unwavering principles who exerted a distinct paternal presence both on and off screen. He will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family; cast and crew."

Bernicoff is survived by wife June, two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.