Gary Rhodes, the celebrity British chef, has died in Dubai, aged 59

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes died suddenly last night at the age of 59 in Dubai. The MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen star died unexpectedly with his wife by his bedside in the emirate.

A statement from his family said:

Family statement on the terribly sad news about Gary Rhodes: 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...— Richard Vines (@Richardvines) November 27, 2019

“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.”

He debuted his 'Theatre by Rhodes' food concept - one that has been hugely popular since debuting in Dubai in 2016 alongside Vox Cinemas. The British chef opened his first restaurant in 1997. 

Over the duration of his highly lauded career, Rhodes headed up six Michelin-starred restaurants and was awarded an OBE in 2006.

He was also awarded the Esquire chef of the year award in 2015.

A statement from the hotel where he worked in Dubai added:

"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."

Tributes have started to pour in. 

View this post 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

A post shared by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) on Nov 27, 2019 at 1:22am PST

Extremely sad to know of Gary Rhodes sudden passing away.
Had known this gem of a man for years and intact filmed with him just 4 days ago for his new TV series.
RIP my friend and may God give strength to Jennie and your boys in these tough times. pic.twitter.com/893LhW8jij— Vineet Bhatia (@Vineet_Bhatia) November 27, 2019

Rhodes's cause of death is as of yet unknown.