Linda McGarry has spoken out for the first time following the death of her son and fellow Gogglebox star George Gilbey.
Gilbey died on Wednesday, March 27 after a fall from height at his workplace in Shoeburyness, Essex - a man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the incident.
McGarry and Gilbey both found fame on Channel 4's Gogglebox alongside her husband and Gilbey's step-dad, Pete.
Gilbey's step-father died at the age of 71 back in 2021 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Almost a week on from Gilbey's death, his mum spoke to local publication the Thurrock Gazette about her loss.
"I’m devastated - he was like my best friend," she began before describing her son as "generous, funny and kind".
George Gilbey died at the age of 40 last week
GETTY
She went on: "He had the best heart in the world... with bundles of charm and buckets of personality.
"He did more in his 40 years than people do in 90 – he’s even had dinner with the Prince of Dubai."
However, following the heights of his success in the public eye which also saw him star in Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, Gilbey's mum said he struggled to "get his life back together".
"He just couldn’t get over the death of Pete," McGarry said before opening up on her own health woes which took their toll on her son.
"I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and he took it worse than me. He was a mummy’s boy."
McGarry's tribute to her son comes just days after a close friend of the family shared how "emotional" she'd been to lose her son and husband in the space of a few years.
A close friend of the family reportedly told The Sun: "First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.
"She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- BBC outrage as Radio 2 listeners vow to 'switch off' over Steve Wright replacements: 'Load of rubbish!'
- ITV Vera fans in frenzy as creator drops huge update on Brenda Blethyn drama: 'New team member'
- Giovanni Pernice sends clear message to Rose Ayling-Ellis as another Strictly partner 'left in tears' by dancer
Linda McGarry with her son George Gilbey and husband Pete
GETTY
Several of Gilbey's Gogglebox co-stars and fans have since paid tribute to the star - including the Channel 4 show itself.
A spokesperson told GB News: "George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad 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."
