Gogglebox star and UKIP candidate Andy Michael, 61, dies - third cast member in 3 months
GOGGLEBOX star and UKIP candidate Andrew Michael has died at the age of 61. He is the third cast member to die this year.
By Samantha Masters
12:06, Fri, Aug 27, 2021 | UPDATED: 17:08, Fri, Aug 27, 2021
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Gogglebox star Andy Michael has died after a short illness, his family confirmed in a statement today. The reality star died with his loved ones by his side last weekend. A statement on behalf of his family read: "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.
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"Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side.
"Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show's original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013.
"Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family, and he will be very sadly missed.
"Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time."
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Gogglebox star Andy Michael has died aged 61 (Image: CHANNEL4•GETTY)
Gogglebox paid tribute to their cast member Andy Michael on Twitter (Image: TWITTER•CHANNEL4)
Andy Michael was one of Gogglebox's original cast members (Image: CHANNEL4)
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His death comes just days after it was announced that cast member Mary Cook had died aged 92.
Fans of the reality star have flocked to Twitter to pay tribute.
One wrote: "What a grim week for Gogglebox. First Mary and now Andy. RIP."
A second added: "I'm heartbroken about this RIP Andy thinking of the Michael family at this sad time."
Andy Michael dead: Gogglebox fans have paid tribute to the late reality star (Image: PA)
Gogglebox star Mary Cook died earlier this month aged 92 (Image: CHANNEL4)
A third commented: "Heartbreaking! Thoughts are with the Michael family!"
"Two great stars of the show in the space of a week, incredibly sad. Rest in peace, Andy," a fourth penned.
Away from the show, Andy stood as the UKIP candidate for Hastings and Rye at the General Election in 2015.
Gogglebox fans also paid tribute to much loved cast member Mary this week.
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The Channel 4 star died in hospital last weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side.
Mary featured on the show with her friend Marina Wingrove.
At the time of her co-star's death, she told press she was too upset to speak about it.
The funny duo joined Gogglebox in 2016 at the start of series eight.
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She and Marina lived as neighbours for over 10 years at St Monica Trust retirement village.
The show's Pete McGarry also died back in June following a battle with bowel cancer.
His wife Linda told The Sun: "Pete was a lovely man and I was so lucky to have him for 25 years.
"I said to him, 'We've not only been 25 years, it's been day and night with each other.' He was my life."
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