A man has been arrested over the death of UK Gogglebox star George Gilbey.
The beloved TV star died after “falling from a height” at a warehouse yesterday morning at age 40.
George was best known for his time on the UK version of Gogglebox where he entertained millions.
He, his mum Linda and stepdad Pete quickly became fan favourites when they joined in the second series back in 2013.
Today police revealed they have made an arrest while investigating his death.
A police spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury on Wednesday 27 March, we have arrested a man in their 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our inquiries are ongoing.”
Last night, as friends gathered at a pub near George’s home, police were at the warehouse where he died. Scaffolding and temporary stairs could be seen outside.
His cause of death was yesterday revealed by police.
A previous Essex Police statement said: “We received a report of an incident at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive. A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
Gilbey and his family were axed from Gogglebox in 2014 – and after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother he began working as an electrician.
He was jailed for three months in 2019 for drink-driving, and after his release took a job in a warehouse.
It comes as friends of the TV personality last night revealed he had been working hard to “turn his life around for his family”.
They told The Sun: “Nobody deserves this to happen so young — 40 is no age. He had started going to the gym and working very hard to do well for his family.
“This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda. First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
“She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.
“He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family. He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment.”
His untimely passing comes just three years after the death of his 71-year-old stepdad Pete, who died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
In 2015 George met ex-girlfriend Gemma Conway at Ascot races.
They had daughter Amelie in 2016 but in 2018 George got a community order for assaulting Gemma at their home in South West London.
George, Linda and Pete returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016 and the show’s network Channel 4 yesterday released a statement saying the star was always part of the “family”.
It read: “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.”
This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.