Gogglebox fans are distressed over the sad news that Mary Cook has passed away – after the star was absent from the most recent series of the show.
News broke on Monday that Mary had passed away in hospital over the weekend at the age of 92 while surrounded by family.
And the news is tinged with an extra element of sadness as fans have not seen the late star on the hit Channel 4 show since last year.
Mary – and her good friend Marina Wingrove who she would review TV shows and films alongside in the care home the lived in together in Bristol – had not been featured on the current series.
She was last seen on series 16 of the show – which aired in the autumn of 2020.
Fans watching season 17 – which aired between February and August this year – had noticed both Mary and Marina had been missing from the line-up.
One fan tweeted earlier this year: “Watching Gogglebox and have realised I haven’t seen Mary and Marina recently. I hope they’re ok and just being sensible in the ongoing lockdown? Looking forward to seeing them again."
The ladies had revealed in January this year that they had received their vaccines against Coronavirus at a time when the UK was in lockdown during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
While show executive producer, Tania Alexander, explained earlier this year that the pair wouldn’t feature in series 17.
She told The Telegraph: “Unfortunately, it was not possible to film with the full cast. 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."
Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, who make Gogglebox, released a statement on Monday on behalf of Mary’s family, revealing she had died.
The statement explained: “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 statement continued: “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."
Gogglebox fans have taken to social media in the wake of news of Mary’s death to share condolences for the reality star.
One fan wrote on Twitter : “So sad Mary was lovely. Heartfelt sympathy to her family”, with another writing: “So sad, always made me laugh when she was on" while another wrote: “Bless you Mary”.
