Tributes to ‘rock star’ chef Rhodes
Tributes have been paid to Gary Rhodes, “the first rock star of cooking” and a man who put British cuisine “on the world stage”, after his death aged 59.
The TV chef, known to millions for shows like Masterchef and Ready Steady Cook, was working on a new TV series when he died, on Tuesday, after he was suddenly taken ill at his Dubai home.
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, 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 said: “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.
Ramsay wrote on Twitter: “We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British cuisine on the map.”
Martin wrote: “Hugely influential in my life and the life of the British food scene. Gent and genius... RIP Gary, I can’t believe you’re gone.”
Tom Kerridge, formerly Rhodes’ sous chef, said Rhodes “is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single-handedly put British food on the world stage. Taking simple ingredients, embracing classic dishes and making something world class.”
Simon Rimmer said Rhodes was a “champion of British food” while Nigella Lawson said he was “such a talent”.
The Michelin guide said he was an “inspirational chef and British gastronomy owes him a huge debt”.
The father-of-two, who went to Dubai in 2007, was known as an ambassador for British cuisine and received Michelin stars. He appeared on the Great British Menu and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008.