Gogglebox favourite Leon Bernicoff has died aged 83 after a short illness, Channel 4 confirmed.
Mr Bernicoff, a retired teacher, was one of the first people to join the show’s cast – along with his wife June – when it launched in 2013.
He passed away in hospital on Saturday, said Channel 4 and production company Studio Lamberd.
Mr Bernicoff, a devoted Everton fan, met his wife in 1955 and the couple married five years later.
Mr Bernicoff, a retired teacher, was one of the first people to join the show’s cast – along with his wife June – when it launched in 2013
During his stint on the programme he once described Nigel Farage as a ‘d***head’.
In a statement, Channel 4 and Studio Lambert said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news that after a short illness Gogglebox’s Leon Bernicoff passed away in hospital earlier today.
‘Leon and his wife June were the first members of the public to be cast for Gogglebox back in early 2013, and they soon grew to become much-loved voices during the course of the show’s 10 series to date.
‘Leon’s unique personality and sharp wit endeared him to fans of the show, as he contributed fully to Gogglebox’s reputation as a programme full of warm humour and unvarnished opinion.
‘To those of us that knew him personally, Leon was a man of unwavering principles who exerted a distinct paternal presence both on and off screen. He will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family; cast and crew.’
The Gogglebox favourite was born on October 27 1934.
As well as his wife Jube, he is survived by his two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.