LAST UPDATE | 27 Nov 2019
UK TV CHEF Gary Rhodes has died aged 59.
In a statement, his family said they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE”.
The chef who hosted a number of shows in the late 1990s and throughout the 2000s moved to Dubai in the past decade where he owned a number of restaurants.
Rhodes died in Dubai and his family have not said how he died. Grosvenor House Dubai told the PA news agency the Michelin-starred chef was working “until the day he died”.
Rhodes opened a large restaurant called Rhodes D7 on Capel Street in Dublin in 2006 which lasted for three years. The premises is currently a Brother Hubbard restaurant.
Rhodes was a successful chef from a young age and won his first Michelin star at age 26. He opened a number restaurants in London and the rest of the UK before expanding internationally.
His most well-known shows on television included MasterChef, Ready Steady Cook, Hell’s Kitchen, New British Classics and Rhodes Across China.
Rhodes was bestowed with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006.
The chef is survived by his wife Jennie Rhodes and two children.
In a statement, his family said: “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 ask for privacy during this time.”
The culinary world has also been paying tribute to the celebrity chef.
Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and James Martin were among the cookery stars to pay tribute to “gent and genius” Rhodes, who was known for his distinctive, spiky hairstyle.
Oliver said: “Sadly, chef Gary Rhodes passed away. My heartfelt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts.”
He reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun. Rest in peace Chef.
Ainsley Harriott wrote: “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.”
The hotels where Rhodes worked, Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort And Spa, said in a statement: “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.”
Jaideep Bhatia, PR director of the Grosvenor House Dubai, told the PA news agency the star was working “until the day he died”.
He said: “He arrived in Dubai in 2007 and had two restaurants, Rhodes 2010 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, and Rhodes W1 at the Grosvenor.
“He was working until the day he died. He was working until Tuesday.”
- With reporting by Press Association
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