Gogglebox star Mary Cook, who lived at a retirement village in Bristol, has died aged 92

Mary Cook, who was known for her cheeky comments on Gogglebox alongside her friend Marina, has died in hospital with her family by her side at the age of 92.

A statement issued by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert said: “We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away 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.

"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.”

Mary met Marina at a retirement village in Bristol run by St Monica Trust over 10 years ago where they became friends.

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”.

The reality programme where people sit at home and comment on TV shows, catapulted the duo into the spotlight and given them celebrity status.

In an interview in 2018 with carehome.co.uk, the Gogglebox pair said they joined the show after Marina was approached by TV researchers when she was out and about in Bristol.

Marina said: “I was in the right place at the right time. A researcher came up to me when I was shopping as they were looking for a person with a Bristolian accent.

“She asked me if I had a friend who could do it with me so I asked Mary if she wanted to.”

Mary told carehome.co.uk - “It is like I have had a new lease of life. We always watch ourselves on Googlebox. I like to watch it to see if I have made a fool of myself. We love all the cast, they’re great! And Ellie and Izzy, Jenny and Lee and the Siddiquis always make us giggle.

“My family love me being on it. If I am bit naughty, they always tell me not to worry.”

She added: “I think people like us because we are old ladies and people relate to us as grandmothers and we are a bit cheeky.”

Mary loved living at the retirement village and said: "I wouldn’t move anywhere else even if I won the lottery. I lived on my own for a year after my husband died and I didn’t like it.”

David Williams, chief executive of the St Monica Trust, called her a "much-loved member of the St Monica Trust community" and said: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by her sad passing. Mary’s example is a testament that we never stop developing as people and proof that we are all capable of creating magical things in later life.

"Who would ever have thought that two ladies living in a retirement village in Bristol would be appearing in front of a television audience of 4 million people every Friday night and doing selfies with fans in their local supermarket? But Mary embraced it and through her and Marina’s exposure on Gogglebox, has helped change the way society thinks about older people."

Tributes from other members of the Gogglebox cast included Sophie Sandiford, from Blackpool, who appears alongside her brother, Pete. She shared a photo of Mary and Marina on her Instagram, saying: "Rest in Peace Mary". Ellie Warner, from Leeds, who stars alongside sister Izzi, posted: “Such sad news, thoughts are with Mary’s family and loved ones at this time.”

Lee and Jenny said: 'Our heartfelt sympathy to Mary’s family, Marina, friends and the Gogglebox familes, such a warm colourful character and lovely lady, you will be sorely missed by all who watched you and loved you RIP Mary.'

A fan of the show tweeted: “RIP Mary. You gave the nation so much joy through your funny and touching personality. Thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Another fan said: “So sad to hear Mary Cook from Gogglebox has passed away. An absolute TV icon and a national treasure as far as I’m concerned - constant telly gold. Won’t be the same without her.”

Mary and Marina made a return to the series earlier this year after being kept away from filming due to the coronavirus pandemic.

click here for more details or to contact St Monica Trust