Loved ones of the late Gogglebox stars are taking step back from series

The loved ones of the late Gogglebox stars Pete McGarry, Andrew Michael and Mary Cook will not be taking part in the upcoming series of the show.

The hit Channel 4 programme lost three regular stars within a space of a few weeks.

Pete McGarry died in June, aged 71, while Andrew Michael, 61, and Mary Cook, 92, died last month.

Gogglebox’s executive producer Victoria Ray confirmed to the Daily Star their loved ones will step back from the show for now.

Series 18 of Gogglebox begins on Friday.

Ms Ray said: “We have had people from the show pass away recently. We lost Mary and Andy. And a little while ago we lost Pete. Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment.

“It’s a massive loss in every way. We feel it too. We are still in touch with all the loved ones. We talk to them all the time. They are still part of the Gogglebox family.”

McGarry appeared with partner Linda who Ms Ray confirmed would not appear on the show.

Following her partner’s death, Ms McGarry said: “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.”

Michael’s wife Carolyne and children Louis and Alex have also decided to take a step back.

A statement from Channel 4 released after his death read: “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.”

Meanwhile, Cook’s friend Marina Wingrove won’t be back on screens.

Both the stars had taken a year off the show due to the pandemic but they had originally been expected to return for this season.

A statement shared on the show’s Twitter page following Cook’s death read: “We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side.

“Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice.”