Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gogglebox stars pay tribute to Leon Bernicoff at National Television Awards

Bernicoff died in hospital after a short illness at the age of 83

Maya Oppenheim
Wednesday 24 January 2018 12:07 GMT
Comments
Gogglebox cast dedicate NTA win to late Leon Bernicoff

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Gogglebox stars have paid tribute to Leon Bernicoff who passed away over Christmas at the National Television Awards.

Ellie & Izzi, sisters who star on the popular Channel 4 show, accepted the award on behalf of the programme which won Best Factual Entertainment programme for the fourth consecutive year.

The siblings dedicated the award to the veteran star who died in hospital after a short illness at the age of 83 two days before Christmas Day.

Dr Foster star Suranne Jones said "God bless you Leon" as she announced Gogglebox were the winners.

After the pair expressed gratitude for the award, Ellie said: "We would like to dedicate this to Leon and June."

Mr Bernicoff, a retired teacher and committed Everton fan, and his wife were one of the first couples to join the show's cast when it launched in 2013. The pair met in 1955 with the couple marrying five years later.

Bernicoff had been eagerly anticipating spending Christmas with his wife and co-star June the night before he died in hospital.

The final post from the couple’s Twitter account wished fans "goodnight" just hours before he passed away.

“Goodnight Folks! Christmas is almost here, let's all try and remember it's the Season on Goodwill however fraught we get!!,” it read.

Gogglebox is a popular reality show which has aired on channel 4 since 2013 and simply features people sitting in their living rooms watching and responding to TV programmes.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

The Bafta-winning show, which has had ten series, has been adopted by television networks worldwide including America, Australia, Belgium and Norway.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in