Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has thanked fans for their messages of support following the death of her husband Leon.
Leon, 83, passed away in hospital on Saturday following a short illness.
The news of the TV favourite’s sudden passing led to a wave of emotional tributes flooding in from fans and fellow Gogglebox stars.
Read more: Scarlett Moffatt pays emotional tribute to Gogglebox’s Leon
June has now responded to their condolences with a short tweet, posted late Saturday night.
She wrote to fans: “Thank you Folks for all your wonderful messages.
“Leon would have loved reading them & hearing how much he was loved. Goodnight & God Bless!”
Many fans replied to June by sending further love and support, and thanking her and Leon for allowing them into their lives.
Leon’s death was announced on Saturday evening by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert – the production company behind Gogglebox.
A statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news that after a short illness Gogglebox’s Leon Bernicoff passed away in hospital earlier today.
“Leon and his wife June were the first members of the public to be cast for Gogglebox back in early 2013, and they soon grew to become much-loved voices during the course of the show’s 10 series to date.
“Leon’s unique personality and sharp wit endeared him to fans of the show, as he contributed fully to Gogglebox’s reputation as a programme full of warm humour and unvarnished opinion.
“To those of us that knew him personally, Leon was a man of unwavering principles who exerted a distinct paternal presence both on and off screen. He will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family; cast and crew.
Fellow Gogglebox stars have also been sharing their shock and sadness at the loss of Leon.
Scarlett Moffatt led the way by tweeting: “Words can’t explain what you meant to so many people. From your words of encouragement to me to the little DMs. Leon you were loved by so many. Sending my love to you and all of your family.”
Leon, a retired teacher, and wife June joined the Channel 4 hit when it launched in 2013, and quickly became national treasures.
He was renowned for his no-nonsense opinion on celebrities and, most entertainingly, politicians – traits respected by many fans who flooded Twitter with their condolences.
Read more: Gogglebox’s Leon has passed away, age 83
The Bernicoffs, who were based in Liverpool, were married for over 60 years.
Leon was 20 when he first met June, then 18, at a teacher training college dance; he has said it was love at first sight.