Gogglebox favourite Mary Cook dies aged 92
Mary was surrounded by her family when she died.
Mary Cook, who was a beloved member of the Gogglebox family, has died at the age of 92, the show confirmed.
Mary was a favourite among fans, appearing on several series with her best friend Marina Wingrove. Mary always sat on the left hand side, while Marina, whose flat they filmed Gogglebox in, was seated on the right.
The Channel 4 show shared the news on Twitter, with a statement saying: "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.
"Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice.
"Bristolians Mary & Marina met at St Monica Trust retirement village over 10 years ago and had been friends ever since. They joined Gogglebox in 2016 at the start of series eight and became instant fan favourites due to their brilliantly witty and often cheeky comments.
"Mary will be missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew."
As soon as Gogglebox announced the sad news, tributes began pouring in from fans on social media.
"An absolute TV icon and a national treasure as far as I'm concerned," one said of Mary. "Constant telly gold. Won't be the same without her."
Another remembered the Gogglebox legend fondly, saying: "So delightful, cheeky, smart, sassy. RIP dear one."
"Desperately sad news," a third wrote. "We were so lucky to get to watch her on #Gogglebox. Thoughts are with her family and friends."
And several members of the Gogglebox cast also paid tribute to Marina, including Jenny and Lee, who wrote on Twitter, "Our heartfelt sympathy to Mary’s family, Marina, friends and the Gogglebox family. Such a warm colourful character and lovely lady you will be sorely missed by all who watched you and loved you. RIP Mary Jenny and Lee."
Sophie Sandiford also tweeted, "rest in peace Mary" while the Plummer brothers wrote, "Very sad news…. Rest easy mary you will be missed."
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Meanwhile Dave and Shirley wrote: "So sad to hear the passing of Mary, She was a lovely funny lady, our thoughts are with marina and Mary's family," and the Malone family tweeted, "Sincere heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Mary's family and friends especially Marina. The nation took you into their hearts, we loved your warmth, your humour and your singing not to mention the innuendos. Rest in Peace lovely lady."
In an interview with St Monica's Trust, Mary and Marina previously explained how they ended up starring on Gogglebox together, saying they were spotted by a researcher for the show while out shopping together.
"I went across to catch the bus down to Asda and this young girl comes up to me and says, 'Do you ever watch Gogglebox?'" Marina said. "I said, 'Well I have done,' and she said, 'Do you want to be on it?' I thought, 'I’m game for a laugh, like.'"
The researcher then asked if Marina had a friend who might want to be involved too. "And like that, Mary came round the corner on her scooter."
"I was going shopping, so I asked them if they could wait until we got back," Mary added.
"They came up to Marina’s flat, held cards up of different famous people and we had to talk about them."
Authors
Minnie Wright is the News Editor of Radio Times, covering TV, Film and Entertainment from the latest dramas and thrillers to sci-fi, fantasy and reality TV – from BBC to Netflix. She has a background in TV, Film, Showbiz and Music at a major national publication and a degree in Popular Music Journalism.
