Channel 4 confirmed Leon passed away in hospital following a short illness today and issued a statement with production company Studio Lambert on behalf of his family paying tribute to his “unique personality”.

The fan-favourite captured the hearts of the nation with his wit and humour on the programme - where people comment and watch TV - alongside his spouse.

The much-loved duo were married for almost 60 years and Leon recalled it was love at first sight when they met all those years ago.

In an interview from 2014 with S Magazine, Leon gushed: “I’ve always lusted after her.” 

The pair first met at teacher training college when Leon sold June tickets to the football club dance.

June was soon won over by Leon's charm as they bumped into each other at the dance and she was very impressed that he had offered her a cigarette from a packet of 20 when she could only afford 10s.

“I was entranced with June,” Leon said. “Still am.”

Feeling confident, Leon worked his magic and plucked up the courage to ask her for a waltz on the night. 

Remembering the fond memory very clearly, he revealed: “Then I said, ‘Do you want to go back to the dance or do you want to go for a walk?’ and she said, ‘I don’t mind,’ so we went for a walk and I kissed her for the first time.”

“Very forward, wasn’t he?” says June. “Took advantage of an innocent person.”

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing between the couple as they didn’t get married or move in together until 1960, five years after meeting. 

Their families clashed as June's father, a miner, was adamant that she should get an education and travel before she settled down.

While Leon’s Jewish parents were not too keen on their son settling down with someone who wasn't of the same religion.

However, they soon proved their critics wrong as their relationship stood the test of time and they went on to become loved by many on Gogglebox. 

Gogglebox airs tomorrow on Channel 4 at 9pm.