Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver lead tributes to chef Gary Rhodes as he dies aged 59

GORDON Ramsay has led the tributes for fellow chef Gary Rhodes following the news of his death aged 59.

Gary, who was best known for shows like MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen, died on Tuesday in Dubai, where he had been working for years.

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Taking to Twitter to mourn him, Gordon – who had a friendly rivalry with Gary - wrote:  “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 Gx”.

James Martin expressed his shock as he told fans: "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."

Jamie Oliver added: "Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away. My heart felt sympathies to his wife , kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts.

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"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."

Bake Off winner Candice Brown, tweeted: “So 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 to his family #garyrhodes.”

Meanwhile, on ITV's This Morning today John Torode told viewers: "He was such a young man, really really talented, an advocate of British food, he was the one who said stop going to France, stay here and eat British."

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Presenter Holly Willoughby added: "From everyone here on This Morning, we're sending all our love to Gary's family."

Presenter Andrew Castle, who appeared alongside him in Strictly, paid tribute adding: “So very sorry sorry to hear of the death of Gary Rhodes. A charming man, kind and thoughtful.

“With all our love to Jennie and the two boys Sam and George.

“Gary and I were terrified on Strictly together and became very close. A terrible loss.”

Another chef - Simon Rimmer -  sent his love to Gary's family, writing:" Oh my goodness! just heard the tragic news that Gary Rhodes has died.

"Always a lovely man who gave me great advice when I first started out. Love and thoughts to Jennie and the boys."

Gary’s family confirmed his death in a statement today that read : "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 26th November 2019, at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side.

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"The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time."

A statement from the hotel where he worked said: "The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Chef Gary Rhodes OBE.

"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."

The Michelin-starred chef also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.