According to Channel 4, Gogglebox star Leon Bernicoff has died aged 83 after a short illness.

Leon, who was a retired teacher and his wife June were one of the original couples to join the cast when the show launched back in 2013.

According joint statement released by Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert, Leon died today in hospital.

They paid tribute to the television favourite’s “unique personality and sharp wit”.

Leon met his wife to be, June in 1955 with the couple marrying five years later.

As well as countless other comical quips, Leon once memorably described Nigel Farage as a “dickhead”.

Channel 4 and Studio Lambert said: “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.”

Bernicoff was born on October 27 1934. He is survived by wife June, two daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.