Gogglebox star Ken Harwood has died at the age of 77 following a brief illness. The popular cast member, who appeared on the Channel 4 show alongside his wife Anne, passed away last week.
Tribute Planned for Tonight's Episode
Show bosses confirmed the news in a statement, adding that tonight's episode will feature a tribute in his honour. Ken and Anne, from County Durham, were married for 55 years and appeared on Gogglebox from series 15 to 19, airing between 2020 and 2022.
Memorable First Appearance
In their debut on the programme, Ken presented Anne with a bouquet of 50 roses, one for each year of their marriage. Anne, deeply touched, joked that she had not brought anything for him in return. She said: "You have put me to shame now with a card and roses, and I got you nothing. But you have me and that's all you need."
Fans quickly embraced the couple, who shared their opinions on television moments such as an ITV news report on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to Canada. Anne remarked: "She maybe just doesn't like England or Great Britain." Ken responded: "Why? Nothing wrong with it... except for the weather."
Ken's Background
Born in 1948 in Consett, County Durham, Ken worked as a postmaster for 30 years before becoming a local councillor. He retired in 2013. A statement from the programme's producers read: "Ken will be dearly missed by his wife Anne, sons Simon and Ross, daughter-in-law Elle, grandchildren Freya and Tristram, and all who knew him."
Other Gogglebox News
Earlier this month, former Gogglebox star Josh Tapper appeared on television in a new role after being elected as a Labour councillor. He serves the Underhill ward in Barnet, securing 1,128 votes. His sister Amy announced the news on social media, writing: "My brother is officially a Councillor! So so proud."
The Gogglebox community has faced several tragic losses. In March 2024, George Gilbey died aged 40 after a workplace accident. He appeared on the show with his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry. In 2021, Mary Cook passed away at 92; she had appeared with her friend Marina Wingrove. Leon and June Bernicoff became fan favourites from 2013; Leon died in 2017, and June passed away in 2020.
