Former Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has died, at the age of 82.
June was one of the original stars of the Channel 4 show, appearing in a total of 10 series, alongside her late husband, Leon.
Gogglebox’s executive producer Tania Alexander confirmed that June died earlier this week following what she described as a short illness.
Tania said: “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.”
The statement, shared alongside a photo of Leon and June in their infamous matching armchairs, continued: “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.”
Tania also stressed that June’s death was not related to coronavirus at the end of her statement.
June ultimately decided not to return to Gogglebox following Leon’s death in December 2017, but noted it had been a “great adventure” to be a part of the show.
She later admitted she wasn’t watching as much television, as that had been something they enjoyed doing together.
After stepping down from the show, June published a book about her 60-year relationship titled Leon And June: Life Love And Laughter.