Some of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing are sadly no longer with us, including top TV chef Gary Rhodes.
The MasterChef and Rhodes Around Britain star appeared on the BBC programme in 2008, where he was partnered with professional dancer Karen Hardy.
However, his skills on the dance floor could not match his skills in the kitchen, and the pair were eliminated after just three weeks in the competition.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing stars’ tragic deaths – suicide, pneumonia and sudden collapse
After departing the programme, he continued to delight fans with his culinary creations, but just one decade later, Gary died suddenly at the age of 59 years old – with the world of entertainment left heartbroken by his death.
TV fame
(Image: BBC)
World famous chef Gary Rhodes was renowned for his culinary skills, after rising up through the ranks as head chef at venues including the Castle Hotel in Taunton and Greenhouse in Mayfair.
His success led the star to open up a chain of restaurants under the name of Rhodes & Co, with the star launching his first overseas business by 2004.
Gary’s culinary talents were also noticed by TV producers, who signed him up to present a number of series including MasterChef, MasterChef USA and Rhodes Around Britain.
(Image: BBC)
He even delighted the younger generation when he took on the CBBC series Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes, and was later made an OBE in 2006.
That’s not all, as in 2008, Gary showcased another of his skills when he took to the dance floor for BBC competition Strictly Come Dancing.
He was partnered with professional dancer Karen Hardy, with the couple finishing in 14th place on the series.
Sudden death
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In 2019, Gary suddenly collapsed at home after he suffered a bleed on the brain known as a subdural haematoma.
He was rushed to hospital, but the star sadly died shortly afterwards at the age of 59 years old on November 26, 2019.
His family released a statement following his death, saying that the chef had died “with his beloved wife Jennie by his side.”
The statement read: “The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time.”
Following speculation around the star’s death, the family released a further statement, explaining that Gary had collapsed and died from a bleed on the brain.
(Image: Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
“In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie,” the statement read.
“After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural haematoma.
“At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”
Gary’s friend and fellow chef Vineet Bhatia later claimed that Gary “slipped and hit his head” before he died.
The British chef told the Mail Online: “I have been told by friends in Dubai that he slipped and banged his head and was then taken to hospital.
“I wish I could have been there for him. He was such a lovely man. So friendly and enjoying his life.”
Tributes
(Image: Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Following Gary’s tragic death, tributes from fans and friends from the world of entertainment poured in across social media.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay took to Twitter to remember Gary, saying in an emotional statement: “We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British cuisine on the map.”
Meanwhile, Gary’s former sous chef Tom Kerridge tweeted that he was “one of the greatest British chefs who almost single-handedly put British food on the world stage.”
Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith also paid tribute, telling the PA Media news agency: “Gary was the first rock star of cooking, making it cool for boys to cook.
“Spiky haircut, tight trousers, full of energy. And a great chef.”
(Image: BBC)
“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,” tweeted chef Ainsley Harriot.
Gary’s brother Chris Rhodes also shared a heartbreaking statement on Twitter, saying that he had “not only lost a brother but a best friend too.”
He continued: “Gary you will always be by my side, in my thoughts but most of all in my heart.
“The times I have spent with you have been some of the most special of my life. Rest in Peace beloved man – love you always.”
Haunting last words
(Image: BBC)
Following his death, a close friend of Gary Rhodes was reported to have revealed the final words that the chef told him.
The Plymouth Herald reported that British chef Vineet Bhatia was visiting Gary in Dubai and spent time with him, just four days before he died.
The two posed for a photograph together, with Vineet saying that Gary told him, “life couldn’t be any better,” before they parted ways one final time.
Speaking to Mail Online about their final meeting, Vineet said: “He came to my restaurant in Dubai to film his TV series last week.
“He was very supportive and a great friend and very generous with his time to everybody. Gary wasn’t the sort of chef who would shout at his staff. He was respectful to everybody.
“And I remember him telling me last week, ‘life couldn’t be better’. He was very fit and healthy and this is such a great shock.”
He added: “We have lost a great man, a great chef.”
Eye-watering fortune left in will
(Image: Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
Following Gary’s sudden death, records from the London Probate Office revealed that the restauranteur had left more than £6.4m in his will to his wife Jennie.
The Sun reported that the will was believed to have been signed in 2012, and that Jennie inherited Gary’s fortune and personal items, including his cars.
Jennie also took over the running of Gary’s two restaurants in Dubai, where the couple had lived since 2011.
The couple had been married since 1989 and welcomed two children together, called George and Sam.
Speaking about their father’s death on Loose Women in 2020, Gary’s son George spoke of the “difficult time” that their family had faced.
“It’s been a hard year, obviously globally everyone has been struggling with losses and not being able to see their family,” said George.
“For us we haven’t been able to be there together as a family in a year that we’ve really needed each other,” adding: “It’s been really difficult.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
