Channel 4's Gogglebox will be without one of its beloved stars for its upcoming series finale, after Helena Worthington announced she is stepping back following a devastating family loss.
A Heartbreaking Announcement on Social Media
The 31-year-old television personality, who has been a fixture on the popular show since 2017 alongside her mum Alison and her mum's partner George, shared the sad news with her followers on Instagram. Helena revealed that her cherished nana has passed away, meaning she will not be filming the final episode of the programme's 26th season.
Posting a touching photograph of herself with her mother and grandmother, Helena wrote: 'I'm not quite sure how to write this post.' She explained that while she had recently celebrated reaching 20,000 followers, the week had also been 'really rough' due to her personal tragedy.
Remembering a 'Legendary' Nana
In an emotional tribute, Helena painted a vivid picture of her grandmother's vibrant character. 'She was the perfect mix of Dame Judi Dench and the Catherine Tate nana — sharp, hilarious, and she somehow knew the answers to every quiz show question,' she wrote.
Helena recalled memorable anecdotes that encapsulated her nana's spirited nature, including the time 'she once flashed a vicar and stole the neighbour's dog when they wouldn't give my mum's football back.' She fondly described her relative as a 'true Queen' who was fiercely proud of her family's television appearance and never missed a chance to tell people about it.
An Emotional Time Amidst a Pregnancy
The loss is felt even more keenly as Helena is expecting a baby girl next month. She expressed profound sadness that her nana will not get to meet her new granddaughter. 'My heart aches knowing my nana won't get to meet her,' she confessed.
However, she found solace in the belief that her nana's spirit would live on. 'But I know she'll be part of her in so many ways — in stories, in humour, and in that same strength and warmth.' Helena had previously announced this pregnancy, her second child, on Instagram just days earlier. She and her partner Dan, both artists, are already parents to a six-year-old son named Erwin, born in 2019.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from fans and followers in the comments section. Messages described her nana as 'an absolute legend' and offered condolences to Helena and her family during this difficult time.
Gogglebox continues as scheduled on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4 and is available to stream on channel4.com, though viewers will note Helena's absence from the final episode of the series.
