17 February 2024 , 16:51
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Gogglebox viewers were left in tears over a tribute that was made over a previous cast member who sadly passed away before the new season started airing.
The Channel 4 show is back on screens with the current 23rd season - having been on the air since 2013. Over the years, several stars have come and gone from the sofas, being filmed reacting to the latest TV shows, films and news reports.
Among the cast was Stephen Webb who was an original cast member - quitting to explore new career options last year. Stephen was featured on Gogglebox with several people over the 10 years that he appeared on the show.
He first featured alongside his first husband, Christopher Steed, with the duo sharing the sofa for the first ten seasons of the show from 2013 until 2017. And from 2018 until the day he quit, Stephen appeared alongside his second husband, Daniel Lustig. During seasons 10-12, which aired in 2017 and 2018, Stephen featured alongside his mum, Pat Webb.
Pat Webb passed away last month and featured on Gogglebox from 2017-2018 (Channel 4)Tragically, Pat passed away last month at the age of 75 after a long health battle. Her death was announced by Stephen on 29 January who wrote online: “Mummy Pat, you were one in a million, took everyone at face value, would share your last fiver with a stranger, the salt of the earth and the absolute centre of our world! Rest in peace mum."
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As Gogglebox returned to screens on Friday night, a tribute was made to Pat at the end of the episode. A title card was shown on screen, stating: “In loving memory mummy Pat Webb 1948-2024” - along with a photo of Pat and Stephen sharing a sofa along with three dogs.
Viewers watching were gut-punched by the tribute and took to social media to express sadness and condolences. Taking to X, one viewer commented: "That ending with Pat on #Gogglebox was sad." Another typed: "RIP Mummy Pat Webb" - while another typed a similar message alongside a tearful emoji. A further fan typed: "Aww Mummy Pat Webb".
Channel 4 previously paid tribute to Pat via social media after her death was revealed. The network wrote at the time: “Mummy Pat will be remembered and missed by her children Stephen, Denise, Sharon, Beverley and the extended family. Our thoughts are with the family who have requested privacy at this sad time."
The Gogglebox fan page also reacted to the news, writing: "We loved you and Pat - she only had to be on screen for one second and you knew you would laugh at loud." Several Gogglebox participants have passed away over the course of the show's 11 years on air. Andrew Michael died in 2021 at the age of 61 after a short illness. Mary Cook died that same year at the impressive age of 92. Pete McGarry also died in 2021 at the age of 71 following a cancer battle. Married couple Leon and June Bernicoff both died in 2017 while both aged 83.