TV chef Gary Rhodes has died at the age of 59, his family have said.
The celebrity chef was best known for shows like MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen.
His family said he died on Tuesday night.
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They said in a statement: “The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.
“Gary passed away last evening, Tuesday 26th November 2019, at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time.”
Gary Rhodes (Ian West/PA)
A statement from the hotel where he worked said: “The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Chef Gary Rhodes OBE.
“Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend.
“No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family.”
The Michelin-starred chef also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
Nathan Outlaw, who trained under Rhodes, said: “The news of Gary’s passing is just awful.
“I really don’t know what to say other than what an inspirational person he was to me in my early career.
Rest in Love Chef. So honoured to have known you and share your love of Magaritas, sending love to Jennie and the boys xx pic.twitter.com/RaZBEapHAR
— Monica GALETTI (@MGaletti01) November 27, 2019
“I walked past his picture on the wall at Broadstairs College where I did my training for two years. He had previously attended the college and was a hero and role model to the young chefs there.
“Watching him on TV really spurred me on to pursue a career cooking.
“I worked with him for only a short time; I was too young and inexperienced, but it was long enough to have a lasting effect on me and my career ambitions.
“He was always kind and supportive. It’s just a huge loss both to me personally and to the industry.”
A production company that was working with Rhodes on a new TV series said he was suddenly taken ill during a break in filming.
Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said in a statement to the PA news agency: “It is with terrible sadness that we share the news that Gary Rhodes OBE, TV chef, author and restaurateur has died suddenly at the age of 59.
“Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai.
“All at Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch are devastated by this tragic news. Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards.
“Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can.”
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