TV chef Gary Rhodes has died aged 59 - Gordon Ramsay and Ainsley Harriott lead tributes

Gary Rhodes
(Image credit: PA Wire/PA Images)

Gary presented a host of hit cookery shows

TV chef Gary Rhodes, who made a string of hugely popular cookery shows, has died aged 59.

As well his own TV series, which included Rhodes Around Britain, Gary also appeared on Hell’s Kitchen, the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing and MasterChef.

A statement from his family said that Gary died on Tuesday evening.

“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 ask for privacy during this time.”

Gary Rhodes meeting Princess Diana in 1995

Gary Rhodes meeting Princes Diana at the screening of the film Apollo 13 in 1995 (pic: EMPICS Entertainment) (Image credit: EMPICS Entertainment)

Gary Rhodes flipping pancakes with Sir Alex Ferguson

Gary cheers on then Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson as he flips pancakes in 1999 (pic: EMPICS Sport) (Image credit: EMPICS Sport)

Fellow TV chef Gordon Ramsay paid tribute to Gary on Twitter, writing: “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.”

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Ainsley Harriott tweeted: “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 lovely boys. RIP, my friend. xx”

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Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown tweeted: “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 his family.”

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Among Gary’s other TV credits were appearances on The Mrs Merton Show, Noel’s House Party, The Apprentice and This Morning.

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Gary was familiar to audiences for his enthusiasm about cooking and, of course, his trademark spiky hair.

Main picture: Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.


Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 


David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.


Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!