GOGGLEBOX star George Gibley had been working at a scaffolding-clad workhouse when he died aged just 40.
The TV personality turned electrician “fell from a height” in Shoebury at 10am yesterday morning.
He was best known for appearing with his family on the Channel 4 show Gogglebox.
He, his mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry quickly became fan favourites when they joined in the second series back in 2013.
The Essex family were axed from the show in 2014 – and after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother he began working as an electrician.
He was jailed for three months in 2019 for drink-driving, and after his release took a job in a warehouse.
Last night, as pals gathered at a pub near George’s Clacton home, cops were at the EGL Homecare warehouse where George died.
Scaffolding and temporary stairs could be seen outside.
His cause of death has now been revealed by police.
Essex Police this afternoon said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.
“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive.
“A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
It comes as pals of the TV personality last night revealed he had been working hard to “turn his life around for his family” after he was jailed for three months in 2019 for drink-driving.
They told The Sun: “Nobody deserves this to happen so young — 40 is no age. He had started going to the gym and working very hard to do well for his family.
“This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda. First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
“She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.
It comes as…
“He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family. He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment.”
His untimely passing comes just three years after the death of his 71-year-old stepdad Pete, who died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
In 2015 he met ex-girlfriend Gemma Conway at Ascot races.
They had daughter Amelie in 2016 but in 2018 George got a community order for assaulting Gemma at their home in Twickenham, South West London.
By JANE MATTHEWS
GEORGE Gilbey was snapped smiling just days before his tragic death this morning.
Just five days ago the star proudly posted the photo to social media.
In the snap the star donned a black hoodie and appeared to have been out exercising.
He captioned the photo, which sat alongside a pic of a gym card: “Done. Full membership.”
George, Linda and Pete then returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016.
Channel 4 released a statement saying the star was always part of the “family”.
It read: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“The family have asked for privacy.”
