The troubled life of George Gilbey: Gogglebox star was 'trying to turn his life ... trends now
When he leapt onto Britain's TV screens alongside his parents on Gogglebox, George Gilbey immediately became a fan favourite.
Blessed with a lively sense of humour, the Essex native charmed viewers with his jocular attitude and his loving relationship with his mother Linda McGarry and step-father Pete.
An appearance on Celebrity Big Brother introduced him to a new legion of fans, and appeared to confirm his rising star among the UK's TV scene.
But behind the jokes and the banter, Gilbey appeared to have some trouble adjusting to the fame he found with the hit Channel 4 show and ending up in court for his off-screen behaviour.
He wasn't seen on TV again after being convicted of trying to strangle the mother of his child, and a prison sentence for drink driving appeared to seal the end of his Gogglebox career.
His death at the age of 40 yesterday in a workplace accident - just three years after step-father passed away from bowel cancer - sparked a wave of tributes from former co-stars and fans alike.
This was the last photo that George Gilbey posted of himself on social media - he said he had just bought a gym membership
Former Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star George Gilbey has died aged 40. Here he is pictured with his mother Linda and late father Pete
A police cordon remains in place at EGL Homecare, where the tragedy is understood to have unfolded. A large blue cherry picker can be seen leading up to the roof
When he first appeared the second season of Gogglebox in 2013, few could have imagined what the next decade had in store for the then-30-year-old.
Flanked by mother Linda and step-father Pete at their home in Clacton-on-Sea, the family became a regular and welcome sight for viewers of the show
Known to his friends as Squeaky George because of his high-pitched voice, Gilbey became popular for his sense of humour and the obvious bond he shared with his parents.
It had been an accident of fate that allowed the trio to appear on screen together, with Linda's son only moving back in with his parents following the end of a long-term relationship.
He admitted he'd had doubts before appearing on the programme, saying in 2014: 'I've seen those shows like Come Dine With Me where people don't come across particularly well, but I have to say I'm really happy with how it's gone so far.'
Things would get even better, with Gogglebox winning a BAFTA the same year followed by a surprisingly Lothario-like appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
The unlikely womaniser had spent the early part of the series charming Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt, even sharing a kiss with the American and discussing whether they would be each other's 'back-up plan' in case they hadn't met anyone else in five years time.
However, after Pratt was voted out of the house, he quickly moved on to Edele Lynch, from Irish girl band B*Witched, with the pair heard smooching underneath the covers of his bed.
When questioned about the unlikely couple after he finished in fourth place on the show, Gilbey remarked: 'Edele's lovely. We had a few drinks, we went to bed and we had a few cuddles.'
The admission didn't go down well with Pratt, who wrote on Twitter: 'Still haven't picked an outfit for tonight's CBB final!!!! Need something cute for when I see my ex-husband & his new wife Edele.'
The Gilbey family left Gogglebox in 2014 when George entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on rival Channel 5
His tragic death comes less than three years after his father Pete (right) died from cancer aged 71
With his star rising following his eventful time in the Big Brother house, the Essex lad became a regular feature
