Gogglebox stars past and present have paid tribute to former cast member June Bernicoff, who passed away last week at the age of 82 following a short illness.
The sad news was announced in a statement by Channel 4, which read, “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.”
June and her husband Leon starred on Gogglebox from the very first series in 2013 but left five years later, following his death in 2017.
Scarlett Moffatt was one of the first to pay tribute to June, sharing a picture of her and Leon with the caption, “You will be missed by all. Reunited with your true love. Sending love to your family and all that knew you and loved you.”
Baasit Siddiqui tweeted, “Rest in peace June. It was an honour to be on Gogglebox with June and Leon for all those years. June always took the time to message kind words to me and the boys which shows how lovely a person she was. All my love, thoughts and prayers to the entire family.”
BELOW the celebrities we've sadly lost in 2020
Celeb deaths 2020
1 of 12Silvio Horta
Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta was found dead in January 2020, aged 45, by suspected suicide. Coroners confirmed cause of death was a "self inflicted gunshot wound".
2 of 12Christopher Beeny
Veteran British actor Christopher Beeny, best known for his roles in Last of the Summer Wine and Upstairs Downstairs, died "at home in his armchair" aged 78 in January.
3 of 12Bobbi Kristina Brown's ex-fiancé Nick Gordon
One time fiancé of troubled Bobby-Kristina Brown, Nick Gordon, died on New Year's Day 2020 after being rushed to hospital following "multiple heart attacks" during a suspected drugs overdose.
4 of 12Derek Acorah
Most Haunted's Derek Acorah, who once starred on Celebrity Big Brother, died in January aged 68 after contracting sepsis and falling into a coma.
5 of 12Kobe and Gianna Byrant
Kobe Byrant - basketball player for LA Lakers – and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a freak helicopter crash along with seven others in January. He was one of the most celebrated basketball players in the world.
6 of 12Kirk Douglas
Hollywood legend, Kirk Douglas dies aged of 103. His acting career spanned seven decades, but perhaps he is best know for his role in 1960 classic, Spartacus. He was father to Oscar winner, Michael Douglas.
7 of 12Caroline Flack
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack died aged 40 in February 2020 after sadly taking her own life. The former Strictly Come Dancing winner was engulfed in a media storm, after she was arrested and charged with alleged assault by beating her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
8 of 12Eddie Large
Comedy legend Eddie Large, best known as one half of Little and Large with Syd Little, sadly passed away aged 78 in March 2020 after contracting coronavirus in hospital. Little and Large formed in 1963 and won talent show Opportunity Knocks, going on to front a long-running BBC sketch show which attracted millions of viewers.
9 of 12Tim Brooke-Taylor
Comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor died at the age of 79 with coronavirus in April 2020. He best known as one third of the 1970s show The Goodies, and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
10 of 12June Bernicoff
Gogglebox star June Bernicoff died at the age of 82 in May 2020 following a short illness. Channel 4 paid tribute in a statement, which read, "'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."
11 of 12Little Richard
Rock'n'roll pioneer Little Richard died of bone cancer aged 87 in May 2020. Known for his hits Good Golly Miss Molly, Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally, the musician was credited as an influence by Elton John, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
12 of 12Paula Tilbrook
Emmerdale star Paula Tilbrook - who played Betty Eagleton - sadly passed away aged 89. She starred on the show for 21 years.
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“Such sad news that June has passed away so so sad such a lovely lady 💔💔 re-united with Leon 🌹🌹. Sending our condolences to family and friends RIP much love Jenny and Lee ❤️ xx #RIPJune #Gogglebox,” added Lee and Jenny.
The Tapper family wrote, “We are so incredibly sad to hear of June's passing. It was such a privilege to be part of the Gogglebox family with such a kind soul. Sending all of our love to June's family and all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace June, now reunited with your soulmate Leon.”
The latest episode of Gogglebox was followed by a dedication to June. At the end of the show, the screen faded to black before the words, “In loving memory, June Bernicoff 1937-2020,” appeared.