Gogglebox star George Gilbey shared smiling selfie just days before death aged 40

Gogglebox celebrity George Gilbey shared a cheerful selfie on his social media platforms only days before his death at the age of 40.

The Celebrity Big Brother star, from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, had died after a freak “accident at work”.

Tributes have since been paid to the late star from Gogglebox fans and Gilbey’s Celebrity Big Brother co-star Ricci Guarnaccio.

Gilbey had been active on social media, sharing a smiling selfie on Facebook just days before his death.

In the shot, the reality TV star wore a black hoodie and appeared, according to earlier posts, to have been on his way back from the gym.

Earlier this month, Gilbey marked Mother’s Day with a heartfelt post paying tribute to his mum Linda, his former co-star on Gogglebox.

Sharing a montage of photos of them together over the years, he wrote: “Bestie. Happy Mumma’s Day to all you Mum’s out there.”

His mother Linda is said to be understandably devastated at news of his death, with a source telling The Sun: “This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda.

“First, she lost Pete, now her son as well. She is incredibly emotional. George was like her little treasure.”

Police, though not formally naming Gilbey, confirmed they were called to an incident after a man fell from a height and was injured on Wednesday. He died at the scene.

A spokesman for Essex Police said on Wednesday: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

"The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.

"We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive.

"A cordon remains in place at the scene."

He appeared on Gogglebox with his parents and then later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 where he came fourth.

Fellow CBB star Ricci Guarnaccio said Gilbey was “going to be missed”.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George's family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”