Emmie Silbery, the much-loved matriarch of the Silbery family of Gogglebox Australia fame, has passed away at the age of 96.
Her granddaughter, Isabelle Silbery, shared the sad news on Instagram on July 8, 2025, writing: “Our Emmie, waited for me to come home for one last snuggle. Her last words ‘I’m ready to hang up now’. She was 96, an orphan, a nurse, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the oldest woman on TV, a great grandmother, an author and so much more. Thank you for loving her as much as we did and will forever. Have a big rest now — you deserve it.”
Emmie rose to fame on Gogglebox Australia after joining the hit show in 2016, appearing alongside her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle. Together, the Melbourne-based trio became fan favourites for their warmth, humour, and multi-generational perspectives from their living room couch. And they even co-wrote a memoir, Out of the Box, about their lives.
She remained on the show until 2023, when she stepped back following a diagnosis of dementia. Her absence was deeply felt by viewers, who had come to see her as one of the beating hearts of the program.
Leaving Gogglebox Australia
Taking to Instagram on November 29, 2024, Isabelle Silbery confirmed that the Silberys were not returning for the next season of Gogglebox:
“It’s with a very heavy heart to announce that Mum, Ruby and I will not be returning to Gogglebox in 2025.
“Foxtel have decided not to renew our beloved show and although the show will continue on Channel 10, the three of us have not been included in its new form.”
Isabelle went on to share that she joined Gogglebox nine years ago in the hopes of showcasing “real women’s voices across multi generations,” and that it was lovely to have her daughter Ruby fill in for her grandmother Emmie in recent seasons — Emmie was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2023, so did not appear in the last two seasons of Gogglebox Australia.
“It has been an absolute pleasure sharing our lounge rooms with you all and cannot thank you enough for the love and support,” Isabelle concluded.
Isabelle went on to share that she joined Gogglebox nine years ago in the hopes of showcasing “real women’s voices across multi generations,” and that it was lovely to have her daughter Ruby fill in for her grandmother Emmie in recent seasons — Emmie was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2023, so did not appear in the last two seasons of Gogglebox Australia.
Tributes to the Gogglebox Australia icon
Tributes have flowed from fellow cast members and fans alike.
Googlebox Australia co-stars Lee and Keith wrote, “Our hearts are so heavy with sadness. Emmie was our adopted grandmother to Keith and I as we lost our grandparents years ago. You told us so many stories about your life and now they are memories for us to keep. Rest in peace, sweetheart you’ll never be far from our hearts.”
Matty Fahd, also from Gogglebox Australia, wrote: “It was an honour to have met her. She was a truly special woman. May she rest in peace.”
Journalist Lisa Wilkinson shared: “I’m so sad to hear the news Isabelle. What a beautiful, talented, giving soul she was, and so loved by us all. I hope she knew that. Glad you got that last snuggle. Sending love to you and your wonderful mum.xx”
As audiences say goodbye to both Emmie and the Silbery family’s presence on the show, it marks the end of a deeply cherished chapter in Gogglebox Australia‘s history. Emmie’s legacy — as a straight-shooting, funny, wise, and loving presence — will continue to live on in the hearts of viewers across the country.
