Widow of Gogglebox star Leon Bernicoff thanks fans for outpouring of support after his death

The widow of Gogglebox star Leon Bernicoff has thanked fans for their support after her husband’s death days before Christmas.

The retired teacher died in hospital on Saturday, Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said in a statement issued on behalf of his family.

He and his wife June were one of the first couples to join the show's cast when it launched in 2013.

In an emotional tweet hours after the news emerged, Mrs Bernicoff wrote: “Thankyou Folks for all your wonderful messages. Leon would have loved reading them & hearing how much he was loved. Goodnight & God Bless!”

Stars including Liam Gallagher, comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuiness and co-star Scarlett Moffatt took to social media to pay tribute.

The Loose Women team also paid tribute, saying in statement: "So sad to hear Gogglebox legend Leon has died after a short illness. Our thoughts are with his wife June & family at this sad time."

Announcing the news, Channel 4 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."

Bernicoff was born on October 27 1934. He is survived by wife June, two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.