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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Eve Wagstaff

Gogglebox fans break down in tears as late beloved stars appear in anniversary special

Gogglebox had viewers crying into their sofa cushions during its 10-year anniversary special after it included a heartfelt tribute to original cast members.

Saturday night saw the Channel 4 reality show mark 10 years on air with a 90-minute montage episode featuring iconic moments from all of the Gogglebox family.

It finished the nostalgic recap, which included both the current and original cast members, with a tear-inducing “in loving memory of” message.

Photos and tributes to June and Leon Bernicoff, Mary Cook, Pete McGarry, Andy Michael and actress Caroline Aherne were shown causing many fans to weep.

Fans of the show flocked to Twitter to share their emotional reaction, with many admitting their sadness to remember the late stars.

June and Leon Bernicoff made an appearance on Gogglebox last night (Channel 4)

One person wrote: “Hearing Caroline Aherne and seeing Leon made me cry,” while another person added: “I'm not crying, you're crying!”

“10 year show is bittersweet great laughs but sad too. All those wonderful people that have entertained us through the years no longer with us,” tweeted another fan of the show.

A fourth viewer penned: “10 years ago miss Leon and June [broken heart emoji],” while a fourth noted: “I miss so many of these families! Especially Leon and June.”

Including a photo of Caroline Ahern in their tweet, one said: “Icon forever,” while another commented: “Gogglebox 10 year thing starting with Caroline Aherne was nice.”

Caroline was the voiceover on Gogglebox from the very start, introducing the families with her dulcet tones and bringing a warming feeling to the Channel 4 show.

Mary Cook with best friend Marina Wingrove (Channel 4)

Not wanting to let down the viewers when she was unwell, brave Caroline asked The Royal Family co-creator Craig Cashif he would take her place when she was unwell.

“In November 2013, when she was gravely ill with cancer, Caroline asked if I’d narrate Gogglebox when she wasn’t up to it,” he told Radio Times.

"Of course, I said yes; it was a very sad time and I wanted to do right by her and by the programme.

"Caroline was well and then unwell, well and unwell, so I filled in whenever she needed me to.

While Caroline took time off to receive treatment for the disease, Craig filled in as a relief host until she was strong enough to come back.

Caroline managed to carry on entertaining the nation as the Gogglebox voiceover for a further three years until she sadly passed away in July 2016.

After the death of his close friend, Craig took on Caroline's voiceover role on Gogglebox, as had been her wish.

*Gogglebox returns next Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

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