June Bernicoff, who appeared in the Channel 4 programme Gogglebox, has died aged 82 following a short illness.
The original Gogglebox star became one of the nation's most loved reality stars alongside her husband Leon, who passed away in 2017.
Only three years later, a statement from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambery released a statement on behalf of the Bernicoff family, confirming that June had also passed away at home on Tuesday.
However the announcement also stated that June's death was not related to coronavirus.
Channel 4 said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox’s much-loved June Bernicoff passed away at the age of 82 on May 5 at home with her family by her side after a short illness.
“As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme‘s success. Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series.
“Following Leon’s passing in December 2017, June wrote her first book, Leon And June: Our Story, which was a deeply moving and entertaining chronicle of their 60-year love affair.
“A remarkably independent, principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life, June will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Despite her departure from the show in 2017, she remained a passionate supporter of the programme, watching it every week, and she was in regular contact with the production team.
“Our thoughts are with June’s family – Helen and Ian, Julie and Marc, and her beloved grandchildren Frances, Sam and Faye. The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time, but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks.
Since the announcement, tributes to June have flooded in on social media, from TV personality Rylan Clark to Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffat, who wrote:
"You will be missed be all. Reunited with your true love. Sending love to your family and all that knew you and loved you."
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
