Gogglebox star Andy Michael has died at the age of 61.
The sad news was revealed in a statement from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert on behalf of his family.
Andy appeared on the show alongside his family from their home in Brighton from the very first episode of the hit series.
The 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."
The doting dad won a legion of fans by sharing his unfiltered views on the week's TV alongside his wife Carolyne and their son Louis and daughter Alex.
Fans would sometimes get confused when Alex's lookalike sister Catheryne would take her place on the show.
Catheryne, who goes by Katy, was travelling Australia when the family first signed up for the Channel 4 show, but would sometimes make surprise appearances alongside her parents and brother.
The Michael family have appeared on the show since it began in 2013, but took a brief hiatus in 2015 when dad Andy stood for election as a UKIP candidate.
But after he failed to win a seat in Hastings and Rye, the family returned to the show, and have been in it ever since.
He said at the time: "I am delighted to have been chosen to fight for Hastings and Rye on behalf of UKIP, the party that has brought democracy and choice back to British politics.
"UKIP is the people’s party and Gogglebox is the people’s programme."
Paying tribute to Andy, a post on the official Gogglebox account read: "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Andy will be truly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew."
Andy's tragic passing comes just days after it was announced that his fellow Gogglebox star Mary Cook had died at the age of 92.
Mary had joined the show in 2016 alongside her pal Marina Wingrove.
The sad news of her death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert.
It said: "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."
Mary and Marina were also big fan favourites, winning people over with their witty and cheeky comments.
