The 71-year-old battled a short illness.

Gogglebox's Pete McGarry has sadly passed away. The 71-year-old, who first appeared on the TV show alongside his family in 2013, died following a short illness, it has been confirmed. A statement released by Channel 4 reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Pete McGarry passed away at the age of 71 this weekend with his family by his side after a short illness." https://twitter.com/C4Gogglebox/status/1409490588513280001?s=20 “Pete will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Our thoughts are with Linda, their children and grandchildren. “Since 2000, Pete and Linda have fostered over 100 children and he is a beloved father, husband and grandfather. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time.” The statement added that Pete's passing was not related to Covid-19. The McGarry family first appeared on Gogglebox's second season in 2013. Some years later, Pete and wife Linda returned as a twosome when son George was cast in Celebrity Big Brother. The couple, who have fostered many children for years, said previously that she and Pete found the experience "very rewarding." She added that son George always responded well to the other children in the house. "He’s always classed the other boys as his brothers," she told the Daily Star. "He never moaned. He always shared everything. He’s got a good heart. He does drive me mad, but he’s a good boy." She added: "I always say all you need to be a foster parent is a spare room, a sense of humour and a good heart. "I’ve just brought them up as my own. On Mother’s Day I get so many phone calls. They don’t forget you. A lot still regard me and Pete as their parents."