A CELEBRITY charity football match is being held in memory of Gogglebox star George Gilbey following his tragic death.

George, 40, died following an incident in Shoebury in March this year, when he fell through a skylight while working on a building site.

Now, friends and showbiz colleagues are getting together to honour George, who had a passion for football and frequently attended charity matches.

Celebrities at the match, on August 24, will include X-factor finalist Che Chesterman, Shameless actor Robbie Conway, EastEnders’ Ross Boatman and Matt Iapinskas, and Adam Oakley, as well as internet personalities Dan Spragg, Triston Simmonds and ‘Wealdstone Raider’ Gordon Parmar Hill, and singer Stevi Ritche.

Actor Darren Luckin met George at a number of charity games.

He said: “George always put charity first. We all went out there to do a bit and over time we became really good friends.

“It turned out that George had roots in Clacton. That’s where I grew up from the age of nine until I was about 19.

“So we had that connection, and every time I was down in Clacton, visiting my family and my son, I met up with George.

“He was a very, very nice person and he was well-liked by a lot of people.”

Sharing a passion for football and charity, it seemed like a “no-brainer” to organise a match in George’s honour, said Darren.

“I got in touch with one of his best friends, Bill, at the funeral, and he said it’s just a brilliant idea.

“The plan is to get a team of celebrities and mix it up a bit, versus George’s friends.”

Along with Christopher David, Bill Drabble and Jenny Robinson, they set up a fundraiser for Mr Gilbey’s daughter and Parkinson’s charities, in support of his mother Linda.

The football match has now grown into an all-day event, with entertainment and retailers.

Darren said: “There is so much interest and we have decided to make it a free event with donations - whatever people can afford.

“It’s a celebration of George’s life more than anything else.”

The organisers want to thank ManGuard and Gassed Clothing Co for supporting the event.

The match will take place on August 24 at Clacton Town FC’s Rush Green Bowl, with gates opening at noon and kick-off at 3pm.