Scarlett Moffatt has led tributes to her fellow Gogglebox star Leon who passed away last night after a short illness.
The retired teacher and his wife June were one of the first couples to join the programme's cast in early 2013.
Channel 4 confirmed the news on Saturday evening in a joint statement with production company Studio Lambert.
"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," read the statement.
"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."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’ll remember Leon as a gentleman full of love and laughter. Our heart goes out to June and family. He’ll be missed but never forgotten.</p>— Channel 4 (@Channel4) <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel4/status/944687931695955968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Tributes have been pouring in for the star.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Words can’t explain what you meant to so many people. From your words of encouragement to me to the little DMs. Leon you were loved by so many. Sending my love to you and all of your family .<a href="https://twitter.com/LeonAndJune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeonAndJune</a> â¤ï¸â¤ï¸</p>— Scarlett Moffatt (@ScarlettMoffatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScarlettMoffatt/status/944633648380248064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Leon Gogglebox as you were LG x</p>— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) <a href="https://twitter.com/liamgallagher/status/944661898204676096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Feeling sad tonighting remembering such a wonderfully special man - Leon â˜¹ï¸ sending strength to you <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonAndJune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeonAndJune</a> June and your family.</p>— Toff (@ToffTalks) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToffTalks/status/944695075849859075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I could cry that poor Leon has died he was the perfect man I hope I marry someone like him one day and we’re still so funny in our 80s 😩💔 poor June 😥</p>— H O L L Y H A G A N (@HollyGShore) <a href="https://twitter.com/HollyGShore/status/944670783254810625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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