Chef Gary Rhodes has died at 59

We were shocked and saddened to learn that television host and chef Gary Rhodes, one of Britain’s best-loved Michelin-starred chefs, died suddenly at the age of 59. Rhodes presented TV shows including MasterChef, MasterChef USA and his own series, Rhodes Around Britain. He was awarded an OBE in 2006.

While not the first TV chef, he was undoubtedly one of the most influential in Britain, inspiring the careers of chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. Rhodes earned his first Michelin star at only 26, and with his spiked hair and leather jackets was soon a media sensation.

He appeared regularly on television, most recently in Hell’s Kitchen and Local Food Heroes, and was the author of several cookery books, including the highly acclaimed Great British Classics and Time to Eat. He had restaurants in London, Dublin, Grenada and Dubai as well as on board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean sea.  Rhodes died in Dubai with his wife Jennie at his side.