Gogglebox star Mary Cook has died in hospital aged 92, it has been announced.
The former hospitality worker joined the Channel 4 programme in 2016 alongside fellow Bristolian Marina Wingrove.
Her death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, which makes the programme, on behalf of Cook’s family.
Everyone needs a friendship like Mary and Marina’s. #Gogglebox pic.twitter.com/cp1G72LKBB
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) July 21, 2019
The statement said: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/xvrlC0gmVE
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) August 23, 2021
Before being invited to join Gogglebox, Cook and Wingrove became friends at a retirement village more than 10 years ago.
The pair “became instant fan favourites due to their brilliantly witty and often cheeky moments”, the statement added.
“Mary will be sorely missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.
“Our love and thoughts are with Mary’s family, friends, and Marina. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time.”
We’ve got a sweet treat in store for you tonight… Mary and Marina are back for the series finale! 🥂
Join us tonight 9pm on @Channel4! #Gogglebox pic.twitter.com/c1hZ1djvvY
— C4 Gogglebox (@C4Gogglebox) May 21, 2021
According to the St Monica Trust retirement home, where Cook and Wingrove lived, they were discovered by a researcher for Gogglebox during a trip to Asda.
According to their website, Mary said: “I was going shopping, so I asked them if they could wait until we got back.
“They came up to Marina’s flat, held cards up of different famous people and we had to talk about them.”
The pair were temporarily absent from the programme because of the pandemic; however, they returned in May’s series finale of the programme.
Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford paid tribute to Cook on Instagram.
Alongside a picture of Cook and Wingrove, she wrote: “Rest in Peace Mary.”
Broadchurch star Joe Sims tweeted: “RIP Mary. One of #Bristol’s finest. You were a little, naughty ray of sunshine on #Gogglebox lots of love to everyone lucky enough to have known her x”.