Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gogglebox favourite Pete McGarry dies aged 71

Channel 4 entertainment show said Pete will be ‘dearly missed’

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 28 June 2021 15:38 BST
Comments
Gogglebox stars mock Boris Johnson

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 star Pete McGarry has died at the age of 71.

The TV personality died at the weekend, surrounded by his family, after a short illness.

Channel 4 and the entertainment show’s production company Studio Lambert said in a joint statement: “Pete will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.”

They announced the news on behalf of the family, writing: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71 this weekend with his family by his side after a short illness. Our thoughts are with Linda, their children and grandchildren.

“Since 2000, Pete and Linda have fostered over 100 children and he is a beloved father, husband and grandfather. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time.”

Both Pete and his wife Linda, who are based in Clacton, joined Gogglebox at the start of its second series in 2013.

They temporarily left the show, but returned for its seventh run in 2016 and have remained regular fixtures ever since.

Pete first appeared on ‘Gogglebox’ alongside his wife Lina in 2013
Pete first appeared on ‘Gogglebox’ alongside his wife Lina in 2013 (Channel 4)

Gogglebox’s statement, which was posted on Instagram, stated that Pete’s death “was not related to Covid-19”.

A number of Pete’s fellow Gogglebox stars have paid tribute, with Tom Malone Jr writing: “Thoughts and prayers to his family. He’ll be missed.”

Giles and Mary sad they were “very sad to hear of the death of Gogglebox’s Pete”.

Dave and Shirley called him “a loved member of Gogglebox”, adding: “Thinking of Linda and all the family in such sad times.”

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