Five 'Gogglebox' stars leaving after death of cast members

Gogglebox is apparently saying goodbye to five cast members after the death of their loved ones.

The Channel 4 show has lost three of its stars in recent months - Pete McGarry, Mary Cook and Andy Michael.

According to the Daily Star, McGarry’s wife Linda, Michael’s wife Carolyne and their children and Cook’s friend Marina Wingrove will not return when the new series of the programme starts this week.

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Executive producer Victoria Ray told the paper: “We have had people from the show pass away recently. We lost Mary and Andy. And a little while ago we lost Pete.

“Their loved ones won’t be taking part in the show for the moment. Understandably, they want their privacy.”

Ray said it was “a massive loss in every way”, adding: “We feel it too.”

It’s thought that the door will remain open if the departing Gogglebox stars ever do want to return.

McGarry died in June aged 71 after being diagnosed with cancer.

In August it was announced that Cook, who had been a fan favourite after joining the show in 2016, had passed away at the age of 92.

Just days later it was announced that Michael had died at the age of 61 after a short illness, with Channel 4 saying they were “deeply saddened” .

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Gogglebox returns to Channel 4 for its 18th series on Friday 17th September.

Yahoo has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

Watch: Best moments of Gogglebox star Andrew Michael