Channel 4 Gogglebox star, 89, announces retirement from work duty after huge achievement: ‘Time to stop’

Gogglebox favourite Marina Wingrove has made a decision to retire from her charity gig she’d held decades.

Wingrove appeared on the Channel 4 show from 2016 to 2021 alongside her best friend Mary Cook, who died in 2021.

Wingrove recently announced she’s hosted her final coffee morning after having raised £41,000 for several charities, such as Macmillan, Great Western Air Ambulance and Children’s Hospice South West.

The retirement village where she resides, St Monica Trust in Bristol, where she used to film Gogglebox alongside fellow resident Cook, has honoured Wingrove with a special event to celebrate her dedication to fundraising.

The pair had been favourites on the show, offering a unique perspective with their age while still making viewers laugh with their cheeky sense of humour.

The two had been signed up for the show after producers discovered them on their way to do some shopping together.

Wingrove had been on her way to catch the bus to Asda when she was approached and asked if she watched the show.

She told producers she did and was then asked to appear on it.

“I went across to catch the bus down to Asda and this young girl comes up to me and says ‘do you ever watch Gogglebox?’

“I said, ‘well I have done’ and she said ‘do you want to be on it?’ I thought, ‘I’m game for a laugh, like,'” she recalled.

so sad to hear lovely mary cook from #Gogglebox has passed away. her and marina were such a funny little duo 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/oqmE11h47w

— claire. (@blissfulfiction) August 23, 2021

“Then she said ‘have you got a friend?’ And like that, Mary came round the corner on her scooter.”

She continued: “I’ve lived with the St Monica Trust for 18 years. I enjoy my life here and wouldn’t want to have lived anywhere else. It’s a nice place to live.

“I’ll still go to the quizzes and I like my music and parties. It’s not like I can get up and dance any more, but that’s what my right hand’s for – to have a drink! I’ll still always available to help if needed.”

Retirement Village Manager Claire Chambers said: “Whereas we’re sorry to see Marina call time on her charity work, we think that if anyone deserves a well-earned rest, it’s her.”

From raising money to organising events, to helping promote the work of the St Monica Trust, Marina’s contribution to our community has been huge – not to mention being the life and soul of our parties.”

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Wingrove opted to support CHSW after her friend Margaret lost four children as babies.

She commented: “My dear late friend Margaret had four babies and they all sadly passed away.

“Back in those days there wasn’t the support for them that there is now with Charlton Farm and Children’s Hospice South West.”

Margaret’s adopted daughter Carol keeps in touch with Marina and added that Margaret had always wanted to support charities that help families and children who have experienced challenges just like she did all those years ago.

CHSW Area Fundraiser for Bristol Amanda Leonard said: “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from Marina and her friends and it has been a pleasure to get to know Marina over the years.”