SON'S LOVE
Gary Rhodes’ son posted heartbreaking wedding pic of TV chef on the day before he died suddenly aged 59
TV chef Gary Rhodes’ son posted a heartbreaking picture of him with his dad on his wedding day just hours before he died suddenly aged 59 yesterday.
George Rhodes uploaded the picture of him with the MasterChef star - famed for his gelled spiky hair - to Instagram with a blue heart emoji caption.
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The day after he posted the photograph online his dad died unexpectedly with his wife Jennie by his bedside in Dubai.
The picture was taken three years ago at George's wedding and he has received an outpouring of support following his dad’s sudden death last night.
It is unclear whether the picture was meant as a tribute to his father.
The dad-of-two - who moved to the UAE in 2007 - was working on the day he died and his death is said to have come as a complete shock.
Gary's cause of death has not been confirmed, but Jamie Oliver originally posted on Instagram that he had "passed away after a tragic fall" - before quickly deleting the post.
According to a statement released by Dubai Police, the famous chef "died of natural causes".
'MASSIVE INSPIRATION'
A production company that was working with Rhodes on a new TV series said he was suddenly taken ill during a break in filming.
Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said: "Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai.
"Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards.
"Production was obviously halted as soon as Gary was taken ill and members of the Rock Oyster Team remain in Dubai to support the family as best they can."
His brother Chris today said he has "lost a best friend" in a heartbreaking tribute to the star.
The MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen star's family said: "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.
He was working until the day he died. He was working until Tuesday.
Grosvenor House Dubai
"Gary passed away last evening 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."
Jaideep Bhatia, from of the Grosvenor House Dubai where Rhodes was a chef, said he was working "until the day he died".
She added: "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."
Gary, who celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary this year, was a workaholic and skipped last Christmas with his family to run his restaurant in Dubai.
WORKAHOLIC
He previously said: "Being a chef is tough and you really have to believe in yourself.
"If you want to get on you have to work hard for it. Nothing comes to you, you have to go and get it.";
A statement from the Grosvenor House Dubai added: "The team is 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."
Tributes have flooded in for the cook - dubbed "The Chef's Chef" by his peers - with many in the industry thanking him for inspiring them.
Gary was a fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking, he was a massive inspiration to me as a young chef
Jamie Oliver
Mr Oliver posted on Instagram: "Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away. My heart felt sympathies to his wife , kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts.
"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."
Gordon Ramsay added: "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."
"PUT BRITISH CUISINE ON THE MAP"
Chef Daniel Clifford wrote: "Rest in peace. A true British classic Gary Rhodes, you open the door for so many young English cooks."
Rhodes was a household name in the early 2000s and starred in shows such as MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen and also fronted his own cooking shows.
He was known for his love of British cuisine and earned a record five Michelin Stars throughout his career.
In 2008 he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing but was the third celebrity to be voted off after he was slated by the judges for having footwork that was "flat as a pancake".
A source told The Sun: "I believe it's come as a shock. He had been living and working out there recently and was enjoying life.
"Things were great. He was happy and life was good. What's happened is devastating for his family.
"He's married with two children and the death has hit them hard."
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Gary left the UK in around 2010 to set up a new life in Dubai and owned a steakhouse restaurant called Rhodes Twenty10.
A message on its website reads: "Closed from 16th September until further notice." Its Facebook page has not been updated since September 8.
In the 1970s he had to have major brain surgery when he was hit by a transit van on a night out.
He inspired a generation of British cooks and wrote more than 18 cookery books throughout his career.
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A young Gary Rhodes shows off his astonishing kitchen skills in Floyd on Britain & Ireland