Gogglebox star Mary Killen has opened up about a harrowing brush with death after contracting Legionnaires' disease in 1999. The Channel 4 favourite, known for appearing alongside husband Giles Wood, revealed she caught the infection from air conditioning in the Bahamas.
Speaking to The Guardian, Mary described the ordeal and physical sign: "The closest I've come to death was contracting Legionnaires' disease in 1999. I caught it from air conditioning in the Bahamas and developed something called Beau's lines: white ridges across the fingernails which are a sign that your body's shutting down for death." She added: "It knocked the stuffing out of me. I've never been quite the same since."
The NHS describes Legionnaires' disease as a serious lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets from systems such as air conditioning or jacuzzis. While rare, it poses a significant risk and is most commonly found in public spaces including hotels, hospitals, and offices. Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and flu-like signs; anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as coughing blood should contact NHS 111.
Mary and Giles, married for over 30 years, joined Gogglebox in its fifth series in 2015, quickly becoming fan favourites with their kooky charm. The couple, who live in a Wiltshire farmhouse, have an affectionate yet quirky dynamic, calling each other "nutty". Mary explained: "We call each other 'nutty' because we both consider the other to be a bit mad. Giles has multiple personality disorder so he's all sorts of people and one of them is a bit of a genius. The truth is we're both neurotic."
Mary also credited Gogglebox with strengthening their marriage at a time when they barely saw each other. She recalled: "Giles and I were like ships that pass in the night. I got up early, he went to bed late and we rarely even ate together." The couple met when they were 21, with Mary working as a model and Giles studying at Wimbledon Art College. They now have two adult daughters who have chosen to stay out of the spotlight.
