GOGGLEBOX star George Gilbey was amazed with the rapturous reception he received following his eviction from the Celebrity Big Brother house.

George, 30, found fame as an armchair TV critic on the Bafta-winning Channel 4 show with mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

They were filmed each week watching TV from the lounge of their St Osyth home.

George joined 13 other celebrities for Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother.

He came fourth and left the house on the final night last Friday after 26 days.

Mum Linda said: “It’s lovely to have him home – he’s still the same old George.

“I thought he was very brave to go in the Big Brother house with all those stars. They’re all used to the limelight, but George isn’t.

“I’m so proud of him for coming fourth. He was thrilled to have had this opportunity.

“It’s been the best experience of his life.”

During the show, formerly unlucky-in-love George, who moved back into his mum’s home after a split, was seen flirting with reality TV’s Stephanie Pratt, who stars in The Hills and Made In Chelsea.

Following her eviction he kissed Edele Lynch, of 90s girl group B*Witched.

Electrician George picked up £100,000 to appear on the show. Linda said he had a “bucket-list” of charities close to his heart that he hoped to help.