Tragic reason Gogglebox favourite won't be returning
Members of the Gogglebox Australia cast, as well as legions of fans, have reacted with shock to the news that 94-year-old great-grandma Emmie Silbery will not be joining her family on the couch this season after being diagnosed with dementia.
“We are sad to announce that Emmie won’t be joining us on the couch for Gogglebox Australia this season,” the Silberys shared in a touching post on Instagram. “It’s been a very challenging time for our family and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions.
“Emmie has been diagnosed with dementia and we wanted to be transparent about this as many families experience it.
“Emmie will be watching and rest assured she’s happy and being cared for.”
The Silberys – Emmie, Kerry and Isabelle – joined Gogglebox in 2016 during the popular program’s third season and quickly became hits thanks to their hilarious comments – Emmie the most of all.
The youngest, Isabelle, added on her Instagram page, “It’s been a tough few months, watching my grandma deteriorate before our eyes with dementia. I’ve been supporting mum who has all the weight on her shoulders as she makes some big decisions for Emmie’s future.
“The three of us have always maintained being real with each other and you all, even through family struggles and this is one of them. We hope this opens up the conversation about dementia, supporting loved ones and the reality of grieving them while they’re still here.
What’s best for her now is that she is safe and happy in permanent care just up the road where we visit her every day.”
Various members of the Gogglebox cast have reacted to the news on social media.
The Daltons posted that they were “sending their love” to the Silberys while Adam Densten wrote, “Love for you all and, of course, for the queen herself”.
Gogglebox veterans Lee and Keith added, “Keith and I are going to miss her one-liners, her smile [and] her laugh. We love her so much and it won’t be the same without her.”
Images: Instagram