A man arrested in connection with the death of the Gogglebox star George Gilbey has been released under investigation by police.
The man, who is in his 40s and from Witham in Essex, was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after Gilbey reportedly died after an accident at work on Wednesday.
Essex police said they were called to an incident in the Shoebury area of Southend-on-Sea where a man had died after falling from a height. It has launched a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and inquiries continue.
Gilbey, 40, was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 series – where participants watch and comment on TV shows from the previous week – alongside his mother, Linda McGarry, and stepfather, Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.
The reality star also appeared on the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.
A Gogglebox spokesperson previously said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum, Linda, and stepdad, Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”
Gilbey joined the award-winning Channel 4 programme for its second series in 2013 before he and his family were dropped in 2014 after he signed up to Celebrity Big Brother. The family later returned to the series.
The reality star from Essex appeared on the then Channel 5 show alongside celebrities including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and the American actor Gary Busey, who was that year’s winner.
The former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 alongside Gilbey, paid tribute to his friend and former co-star.
“Breaks my [heart] but you are well and truely [sic] going to be missed my friend,” he posted on X. “Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you.”
