Helena Worthington has announced she will not appear in the final episode of Gogglebox's current season following the death of her grandmother.
The 31-year-old Manchester-based television personality, who has featured on the Channel 4 programme since 2017, shared the devastating news with her followers on Instagram yesterday.
In an emotional post, Ms Worthington explained that reaching 20,000 followers on the platform had coincided with what she described as "a really rough week."
"I lost my legendary nana, and because of that I won't be filming the last episode of Gogglebox this series," she wrote.
Helena appears on Gogglebox alongside her mother Alison and Alison's partner, George
|CHANNEL 4
The reality star, who is currently expecting her second child, appears on the show alongside her mother Alison and Alison's partner George.
Ms Worthington paid a touching tribute to her grandmother, describing her as "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 recalled how her grandmother "played such a huge part in my life and loved me fiercely."
The television star shared fond memories of their time together, noting that whenever they met, they would discuss Bob Mortimer's appearances on Would I Lie To You?
The Gogglebox star shared a poignant post
|Ms Worthington also revealed her grandmother's mischievous side, recounting how she once "flashed a vicar and stole the neighbour's dog when they wouldn't give my mum's football back."
Calling her "a true Queen," she added that her nana "never missed an opportunity to tell absolutely anyone she met that her daughter and granddaughter were on Gogglebox."
Ms Worthington expressed profound sadness that her grandmother will never have the chance to meet her baby daughter, who is due to arrive within the coming month.
"I'm expecting a baby girl in the next month, and my heart aches knowing my nana won't get to meet her," she wrote.
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Helena, Alison and George have starred in Gogglebox since 2017
|CHANNEL 4
Despite her grief, the expectant mother found comfort in the belief that her grandmother's spirit would endure through future generations.
"But I know she'll be part of her in so many ways – in stories, in humour, and in that same strength and warmth," she continued.
Ms Worthington thanked her supporters for their kindness during this difficult period, expressing gratitude for being able to share "both gratitude and grief at the same time."
Fellow Gogglebox cast members and fans rallied around Ms Worthington following her announcement, flooding the comments section with messages of support.
Izzi Warner offered her condolences, writing: "Sending lots of love, sorry for your loss she sounds like she was the best kind of person."
Former cast member Daniel Lustig-Webb also reached out, saying: "Sorry to hear this Helena xx."
The Manchester trio of Ms Worthington, her mother Alison, and Alison's partner George have become firm favourites with viewers since joining the programme in 2017.
Helena's six-year-old son Erwin, whom she shares with partner Dan, occasionally joins the family on screen.
The 26th season of Gogglebox continues to air on Friday evenings at 9pm on Channel 4.