‘Rock star of cooking’, 59

Tributes have been paid to Gary Rhodes, “the first rock star of cooking”, who has died aged 59 after he was suddenly taken ill at his Dubai home.

The spiky-haired TV chef was known to millions for shows like Masterchef, Ready Steady Cook and Hell’s Kitchen and for putting British cuisine “on the world stage”.

Rhodes was working on a new TV series when he died, on Tuesday.

He was suddenly taken ill, while at home, during a break in filming, the TV production company said.

His family said he died “with his beloved wife Jennie by his side”.

Grosvenor House Dubai said the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and author was working “until the day he died”.

Rhodes’ death sparked tributes from fellow giants of the cooking world, including Jamie Oliver, Prue Leith, Gordon Ramsay, James Martin and Ainsley Harriott.

Great British Bake Off star Leith told the PA 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,” the former Great British Menu judge said.

Oliver initially posted, on Instagram that Rhodes had died in a “tragic fall” before deleting the message.

He later wrote: “Sadly, chef Gary Rhodes passed away. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts.

“Gary was a fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking, he was a massive inspiration to me as a young chef.

“He reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun. Rest in peace Chef.”

Ramsay wrote on Twitter: “We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British cuisine on the map.”

Rhodes was born in Dulwich, south east London and began cooking for his family at the age of 13, when his mother returned to work as a secretary.

He left school at 16 to go to catering college.

A van accident put him in a coma and initially affected his sense of smell.

He received an OBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, something he described as “just unbelievable” and even had “the edge” over a Michelin star.

Masterchef judge Monica Galetti tweeted she was “honoured to have known you and shared your love of Margaritas”.

His long-time agent Caroline Teeling said: “I feel blessed to have had him in my life. Words cannot describe the shock and heartbreak we are all feeling at this time.”

David Nottage, managing director of Rock Oyster, said Rhodes’ death was the “most unimaginably shocking and heartbreaking news”.

Getty. Gary Rhodes has died.