Channel 4 has just confirmed that Gogglebox star Andrew Michael has died at the age of 61 following a “short illness”.
Fan-favourites the Michael family from Brighton first appeared on the show back in 2013, and Andy was well known for appearing on the sofa alongside his wife Carolyne and children Alex and Louis.
A statement by Channel 4 and producers Studio Lambert released on Twitter this afternoon said he died after a short illness last weekend with his family by his side.
The statement read: “Retired hotelier Andy, who brought much wit and insight to Gogglebox, was one of the show’s original cast members, appearing in the very first episode in 2013.
“Beloved father to Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis, and cherished husband of Carolyne, Andy was a much-loved and respected member of the Gogglebox family.
“He will be very sadly missed.”
The statement continued: “Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.”
Andy Michael was the son of immigrant parents who came to the UK from Cyprus in 1951.
The family disappeared from the Channel 4 series in 2015 while Andy stood as the UKIP candidate for Hastings and Rye at the general election – but they returned to screens when he was defeated.
Tributes, messages of condolence, and an outpouring of support for the Michael family has begun on social media.
Featured Image – Channel 4