Gogglebox star Andy Michael, who stood for Ukip in General Election, dies aged 61 after short illness - the third member of show's cast to die in three months

• e-mail

Gogglebox star Andy Michael has died aged 61 following a short illness, a statement from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert on behalf of his family said - making the TV personality the third member of the show's cast to have passed away in the past three months.

The family first appeared on Gogglebox in the debut episode in 2013, but were dropped in 2014 because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the 2015 General Election. After he failed to secure the Hastings and Rye seat, the family returned for future episodes. 

Mr Michael, who won a legion of fans by sharing his unfiltered views on the week's TV alongside his wife Carolyne and children Katy, Alex, Pascal and Louis from their home in Brighton, was the son of immigrant parents from Cyprus. His cause of death was not revealed. 

Earlier this week, it was announced that Mary Cook - who joined the popular Channel 4 show in 2016 at the start of series eight and became famed for her witty one-liners - had passed away aged 92.  

In June, Pete McGarry died at the age of 71 surrounded by his family following a short illness. 

Andrew and Carolyne Michael attend the Ukip spring conference at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Margate, Kent

Gogglebox star Andy Michael (right) has died aged 61 following a short illness, a statement from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert on behalf of his family said 

Channel 4 said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael'

The family first appeared on Gogglebox in the debut episode in 2013, but announced in 2014 that they were leaving because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the general election

The statement, given to the PA news agency, said: 'We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness'

The statement, given to the PA news agency, said: 'We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Gogglebox star Andy Michael at the age of 61 following a short illness. 

'Andy passed away last weekend with his family by his side. '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, and he will be very sadly missed. 

'Our love and thoughts are with Carolyne and the entire family. The family have asked for privacy at this very sad time'.  

The family first appeared on Gogglebox in 2013, with the family cracking up viewers with Louis and Alex's reactions to their parents' commentary. 

Fans would sometimes get confused when Mr Michael's lookalike sister Catheryne would take her place on the show. Catheryne, who goes by Katie, was travelling Australia when the family first signed up, but sometimes made surprise appearances alongside her parents and brother. 

After he failed to secure the Hastings and Rye seat, the family returned for future episodes

The family first appeared on Gogglebox in the debut episode in 2013, but announced in 2014 that they were leaving because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the general election

Gogglebox star Andy Michael (centre) has died aged 61 following a short illness, a statement from Channel 4 and Studio Lambert on behalf of his family said

Gogglebox fans expressed their sadness online as they said: 'Rest in peace, Andy Michael'

In 2014, the Michaels were dropped from the show after it was announced Mr Michael was standing as a candidate for Ukip. At the time, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'Mr Michael has confirmed his proposed candidacy as a UKIP MP in Hastings and Rye.

'Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox.

'It's with great regret that the Michaels are no longer in the show. They have been excellent contributors to Gogglebox, and we are very grateful for all they have given to the show.'

Gogglebox fans expressed their sadness online. 

One posted: 'I'm really sad to hear this. Much love to the family' - while another said: 'Oh no my goodness, so young! I am so sorry, sending love to his family and friends.'

A third added: 'I'm heartbroken about this RIP Andy thinking of the Michael family at this sad time.'

Gogglebox star Mary Cook dies aged 92 as Channel 4 pay tribute to 'witty and beloved' show star 

Gogglebox star Mary Cook has died at the age of 92. 

The TV personality was famed for her witty one-liners on the show, where she appeared alongside best friend Marina Wingrove, 90. 

Channel 4 announced the news in a statement on Monday that read: 'We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side. 

'She will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.'

Tragic news: Gogglebox star Mary Cook  has died aged 92 as Channel 4 revealed as they paid tribute to the 'witty and beloved' show star

They added that Mary was a 'beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many.'

Mary's cause of death was not revealed in the statement. 

Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice, and met best friend Marina at St Monica Trust retirement village over ten years ago.

The pair joined Gogglebox in 2016 at the start of series eight and became instant fan favourites due to their 'brilliantly witty and often cheeky comments.'