Gogglebox paid tribute to one of its stars, Ken Harwood, at the end of last night’s episode, after he died at the age of 77 following a short illness.
The programme confirmed Ken’s death ahead of the episode airing, saying in a post on Instagram: “Ken Harwood, who was a much-loved member of the #Gogglebox family, sadly passed away last week at the age of 77 after a short illness.
“Ken and his wife Anne from County Durham were married for 55 years and were popular Gogglebox cast members from series 15-19 which broadcast on Channel 4 during 2020 to 2022.
“Born in 1948 in Consett, County Durham, Ken was a postmaster for 30 years; he then went onto be a local councillor before retiring in 2013. He will be dearly missed by his wife Anne, sons Simon and Ross, daughter-in-law, Elle, grandchildren Freya and Tristram, and all who knew him.”
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The tribute aired in the form of a title card at the end of the most recent episode of Gogglebox, with a picture of Ken and Anne included.
As mentioned in the Instagram post, Ken and Ann joined the Channel 4 series in 2020, and in their first appearance, Ken presented Anne with a bouquet of 50 roses – one for every year they had been married.
In response, Anne joked: “You’ve put me to shame now with a card and roses, and I got you nothing. But you have me and that’s all you need.”
A spokesperson for Gogglebox production company, Studio Lambert, also made a statement, saying of Ken: “He will be dearly missed by his wife Anne, sons Simon and Ross, daughter-in-law, Elle, grandchildren Freya and Tristram, and all who knew him.”
Gogglebox, which sees various groups of families and friends watching and reacting to each week’s TV, has been on the air since 2013 and is currently in its 27th season.
One fan of the series paid their condolences on X after learning of Ken’s death, writing: “Ah no Ken died I had no idea. RIP Ken. Hope Ann and family are doing okay #Gogglebox”.
Another said: “Sad news. Rest in peace Ken Harwood. Sending thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who loved watching him on Gogglebox.”
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
