GEORGE Gilbey was snapped smiling just days before his tragic death.

The Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star died suddenly today – he was just 40.

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George Gilbey, who appeared on Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother, was snapped smiling days ago

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He starred on the couch alongside mum Linda and step-dad PeteCredit: Channel 4
The star in understood to have died in a workplace accident.

George had snapped a smiling selfie just five days ago – proudly posting it to social media.

In the snap the star donned a black hoodie and appeared to have been out exercising.

He captioned the photo, which sat alongside a pic of a gym card: “Done. Full membership.”

George’s cause of death was today confirmed by police.

Essex Police this afternoon confirmed: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.

“We will continue liaising with partners including the Heath and Safety Executive.

“A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Tributes are already pouring in for George, who first starred in Gogglebox alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete in 2013.

TV star Ricci Guarnaccio, best known for his time on Geordie Shore, also paid tribute to George.

He wrote: “Breaks my heart but George Gilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend.

“Always lit up the room, cared for others and the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you my boy.

“Love you GG.”

Channel 4 statement:

“George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“The family have asked for privacy.”

The Essex family were axed from the show in 2014 – but George stepped into the Celebrity Big Brother house the same year.

He was much loved on CBB and made it all the way to the final.

George, Linda and Pete then returned to the Gogglebox couch in 2016.

George’s mum ‘in bits’

By THOMAS GODFREY

A friend of the reality star told The Sun: “George was George. He was a good bloke with a big heart who loved his family.

“He was a bit of a party lad, but he was good entertainment for everyone who knew him.

“Nobody deserves this to happen so young – 40 is no age and to die at work is horrific.

“He had started going to the gym in the evenings and working very hard to do well for his family.

“This will hit his family very hard, especially Linda. First, she lost Pete, now her son as well.

“She is incredibly emotional.

“George was like her little treasure.”

Another pal added George’s mum, Linda McGarry, was “in bits” over her son’s untimely passing.

Last night a group of the star’s closest friends were said to have met in a pub in Clacton-on-Sea – where George lived – to celebrate his life over a drink.