The new series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox returned last night, but fans were missing a certain presence.
The show dedicated its first episode to fan favourite Leon Bernicoff, who passed away in December last year at the age of 83.
Viewers took to Twitter to share their sadness at the loss of Leon, and declare the show wasn’t the same without him and his wife June.
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June and Leon had appeared on the show since its creation in 2013.
Fans were heartbroken to hear Leon had died after a short illness on December 23, and June said she would not be returning to the show without him, calling their journey on the show together as a “great adventure.”
However, June still tuned in to last night’s episode and shared her thoughts on Twitter.
She wrote: “Sitting comfortably, drink poured, snacks ready, in pj’s waiting for 9pm C4 Series 11 GOGGLEBOX! Let the entertainment begin!!”
Sitting comfortably, drink poured,snacks ready,in pj’s waiting for 9pm C4 Series 11, GOGGLEBOX ! Let the entertainment begin!!
— LeonAndJune (@LeonAndJune) February 23, 2018
Replying to their die-hard fans, June insisted she is enjoying watching the show instead of being on it.
She said: “I am enjoying it especially as I don’t know what the Gogglebox families have been watching!”
As the episode ended, June said to fans that the show “never fails to entertain.”
She then thanked Gogglebox for its touching tribute to Leon.
The show shared a message at the end, which read: “In loving memory of Leon Bernicoff.”
Channel 4’s Twitter feed also shared a video of Leon and June together, with Leon declaring, “Life’s all about love.”
Leon forever pic.twitter.com/2PJnQiIAQe
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) February 23, 2018
“Thank you! So tastefully and sensitively portrayed and very much appreciated,” June tweeted.
Meanwhile, fans flooded Twitter with tributes to Leon.
Aw so sweet they dedicated it to @LeonAndJune ❤🌹 #gogglebox #goggleboxleon
— Emma O’Leary ⚯͛ △⃒⃘ (@CheshireCat_Mad) February 23, 2018
#Gogglebox loved it 💖 but missed Leon and June! 💖
— Lori Lawlor (@lawlor_lori) February 23, 2018
Googlebox not the same without Leon & June #Gogglebox
— sarah potter (@smtoffee) February 23, 2018
Delighted tonight’s #gogglebox was a tribute to the very lovely Leon. Leon and June, you will be sorely missed 💕💜
— ☔☔☔JAYNE CARR (@hotjayne) February 23, 2018
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The show’s return also saw the absence of Chris Butland-Steed, who recently announced he was leaving Gogglebox in hopes of pursuing a TV career elsewhere.
There is also a new family on the block – good friends Kathy, Cilla and Elvie from Leeds.
This is going to be a great series!