Tributes are being paid to Gogglebox fan favourite Mary Cook, who has died aged 92.

The former hospitality worker joined the Channel 4 programme in 2016 alongside fellow Bristolian Marina Wingrove, and the pair quickly became loved by viewers thanks to their “brilliantly witty and often cheeky” comments.

A statement issued by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, which makes the programme, said she died in hospital at the weekend with her family by her side.

We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side. She will be dearly missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. pic.twitter.com/xvrlC0gmVE

“We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side,” the tribute said.

“Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice.”

Mary and Marina met at a retirement village more than 10 years ago and had been friends ever since, the statement said.

“They joined Gogglebox in 2016 at the start of series eight and became instant fan favourites due to their brilliantly witty and often cheeky comments.

“Mary will be sorely missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew. Our love and thoughts are with Mary’s family, friends and Marina.”

Bristol’s St Monica Trust retirement home, where Mary and Marina lived, said the pair were discovered by a researcher for Gogglebox during a shopping trip to Asda.

According to their website, Mary said: “I was going shopping, so I asked them if they could wait until we got back. They came up to Marina’s flat, held cards up of different famous people and we had to talk about them.”

The friends had been temporarily absent from the programme because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but had returned in the latest season finale in May.

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