Entertainment
Tom Malone Jr leads tributes for Gogglebox star Andy Michael as original cast member dies aged 61
Andy Michael’s Gogglebox family paid tribute (Picture: Channel 4)
Gogglebox stars Tom Malone Jr and Sophie Sandiford have paid tribute following the news of Andy Michael’s death at 61, after a short illness.
Michael died last weekend ‘with this family by his side’, according to the announcement made by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert on behalf of his family.
‘Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Andy Michael. Sending love and support to the whole Michael family,’ wrote Tom, who appeared on the show with his family for six years before leaving in 2021.
Meanwhile, Sophie Sandiford, who features on the show alongside her brother Pete, tweeted: ‘Rest in peace Andy.’
A statement, given to the PA news agency, said: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness.
‘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.’
In 2014, the Michaels were dropped from the show after it was announced Andy was standing as a candidate for Ukip.
At the time, it was announced by a Channel 4 spokesperson that ‘any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox’.
However, the family returned for future episodes when he failed to secure the Hastings and Rye seat.
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News of his death comes less than a week after that of another Gogglebox star, Mary Cook, who died aged 92.
Mary joined Gogglebox in 2016 with her best friend Marina Wingrove, filming scenes from her living room at the retirement village where they met.
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