Mary Cook and Marina Wingrove's close friendship was clear for everyone to see on Gogglebox.
The dynamic duo had viewers in stitches with their witty one liners and hilarious remarks as they watched TV from their care home in Bristol.
Sadly, on Monday morning came the tragic news that Mary had passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 surrounded by her family.
A statement released by show bosses explained Mary was a "beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many" - in particular to close pal Marina.
The Gogglebox legends met while living together at the St Monica Trust retirement village a decade ago and have been practically inseparable ever since - even getting their Covid-19 vaccines together at the start of the year.
And the incredible way they were scouted for the Channel 4 show is testament to their inspiring friendship.
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Before making their on-screen debut in 2016, Marina was spotted by a Gogglebox researcher while she was on the way to the shops.
"I went across to catch the bus down to Asda and this young girl comes up to me and says 'do you ever watch Gogglebox?'," explained Marina.
"I said, 'well I have done' and she said 'do you want to be on it?' I thought, 'I’m game for a laugh, like'.
"Then she said 'have you got a friend?' And like that, Mary came round the corner on her scooter."
Once they had finished their shopping trips, the pair were given a special trial to see if they would make good telly.
Mary said: "I was going shopping, so I asked them if they could wait until we got back.
"They came up to Marina's flat, held cards up of different famous people and we had to talk about them."
There were concerns when the pair did not appear on the show last year amid the pandemic.
Some viewers feared they had been axed as they did not appear for the final few weeks of the series at the end of October.
It was later revealed that producers did not want to put them at risk - making the tough decision to halt filming with the elderly ladies to make sure they were safe.
"Unfortunately, it was not possible to film with the full cast," producer Tania Alexander told The Telegraph at the time.
"For example, we took the decision to tell Mary and Marina, who are in their 90s and live in a care home, that we didn't want them put at any risk, so we should stop filming with them altogether.
"The ladies are safe and well looked after but often tell us they dearly miss the crews and the fun they have during filming each week."
They made a triumphant return in May this year, with Mary leaving viewers in stitches with a racy comment while watching Bear Grylls' show.
"It wouldn’t be tame if he was in a room with me," Mary told Marina, leaving Gogglebox fans in hysterics.
Mary and Marina did everything together, including getting their Covid-19 vaccines.
In January this year, the Gogglebox duo were snapped getting their first jabs at a surgery in Bristol.
The masked pair went with each other for support and seemed in high spirits as a medic administered their first does of the vaccine.
The Clinical Commissioning Group shared pictures of the friends, while of Mary and Marina took to social media to express their joy about the Gogglebox stars receiving the vaccine.
An Instagram fan page for Jenny and Lee congratulated the stars on having the vaccine done together.
"Some lovely news this morning - Gogglebox's Mary & Marina have received their Covid vaccine together in Bristol."
Mary's tragic death was confirmed by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, the makers of the programme, on behalf of Mary's grieving family.
The statement 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."
The pair "became instant fan favourites due to their brilliantly witty and often cheeky moments", the statement added.
"Mary will be sorely missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.
"Our love and thoughts are with Mary's family, friends, and Marina. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time."
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