Yahoo News Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay lead Gary Rhodes tributes after celebrity chef dies in Dubai
Celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have led to Gary Rhodes, who has died at the age of 59.
The TV personality's death was announced by hs family on Wednesday morning and within minutes, tributes began pouring in online.
In an emotional Instagram post, Oliver, 44, said Rhodes had been "a massive inspiration to me as a young chef", adding that he "reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun."
"My heart felt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts," he added.
A post shared by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) on Nov 27, 2019 at 1:22am PST
Ramsay, 53, praised Rhodes for "put[ting] British cuisine on the map."
We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You’ll be missed Gx pic.twitter.com/RRWlWhjup8
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay)
"Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids," he wrote on Twitter. "You'll be missed. G x."
Rhodes took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 and the Karen Hardy Studios tweeted a message on behalf of the professional he was partnered with:
With Karen being away in China, she has limited access to social media and has asked us to post on her behalf.
I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time. RIP xxx ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lkc6bEHHR8— Karen Hardy Studios (@Karen_Hardy)
Other stars who paid tribute included their fellow celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriot, James Martin and Simon Rimmer:
A post shared by James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) on Nov 27, 2019 at 1:37am PST
So sad to hear the news about Gary Rhodes. A true culinary icon and a lovely man. Sending my love and thoughts to his wife Jennie and their boys. RIP, my friend. xx
— Ainsley Harriott (@AinsleyFoods)
oh my goodness! just heard the tragic news that Gary Rhodes has died. Always a lovely man who gave me great advice when I first started out. Love and thoughts to Jennie and the boys
— simonrimmer (@simonrim)
Prue Leith told the Press Association news agency: “Gary was the first rock star of cooking, making it cool for boys to cook.
“Spiky haircut, tight trousers, full of energy. And a great chef.”
Tom Kerridge, formerly Rhodes’ sous chef, tweeted: “I’m deeply shocked and hugely saddened to hear the tragic news about Gary Rhodes.
“He is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage. Taking simple ingredients, embracing classic dishes & making something world class.
“Many chefs have been through his kitchen, myself included. I consider it to be an honour to have stood alongside him at the pass. My thoughts go out to family and close friends for their huge loss.”
1/2 I’m deeply shocked and hugely saddened to hear the tragic news about Gary Rhodes. He is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage. Taking simple ingredients, embracing classic dishes & making something world class
— Tom Kerridge (@ChefTomKerridge)
2/2 Many chefs have been through his kitchen, myself included. I consider it to be an honour to have stood alongside him at the pass. My thoughts go out to family and close friends for their huge loss.
— Tom Kerridge (@ChefTomKerridge)
Such sad news of the passing away of one of England’s great chefs, Gary Rhodes. A man I was privileged to know from his very early days, watching his success & noting the number of young people he inspired in our wonderful industry. A true friend. RIP chef. ♥️ to Jennie & boys x
— Brian Turner (@BrianTurnerChef)
Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown wrote: "So sad to hear about Gary Rhodes.
"His banana and syrup loaf was the first thing I baked all on my own. The pages are stuck together with syrup. So much love to his family."
So so sad to hear about Gary Rhodes. His banana and syrup loaf was the first thing I baked all on my own. The pages are stuck together with syrup 💔 So much love to his family #garyrhodes
— Candice Brown (@CandiceBrown)
— Naga Munchetty (@BBCNaga)
Shocked and really very sad to hear about the passing of Chef Gary Rhodes. Met him through work on several occasions and he was always so inspiring, polite and very kind to my staff and I. He will always remain a British culinary icon never to be forgotten #GaryRhodes https://t.co/XdmuZBsSjW
— Sabrina Ghayour (@SabrinaGhayour)
So sad to hear the news of Gary Rhodes passing today. The influence he’s has on chef and restauranteurs over the years has been immense. A true icon of Britain cookery, he will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.x
— Marcus Wareing (@marcuswareing)
Nathan Outlaw, who trained under Rhodes, said "the news of his 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," he continued. “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."
“He was always kind and supportive. It’s just a huge loss both to me personally and to the industry.”
Confirming Rhodes' death, a statement from his family read: "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 26 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 privacy at this time."
Additional reporting by Press Association.
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