Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes has died at age 59.
The MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen star died suddenly on Tuesday night in his bed in Dubai.
Rhodes - known for his spiky hairdo - move to the United Arab Emirates city with his family in 2011.
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His family said in a statement: "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.
"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."
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The chef was known well for his television work and restaurant repertoire.
Gary was a regular TV cooking competitions such as MasterChef, MasterChef USA, and Hell's Kitchen. He also hosted his own series, Rhodes Around Britain.
In 2006, Gary was awarded an OBE for services to the hospitality industry in Buckingham Palace.
Gary owned eight restaurants in his lifetime, including locations in England, Dublin, Grenada and Dubai.
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A statement from the hotel where he worked in Dubai 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."
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The tributes have been flooding in from the TV chef, with the likes of Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Ainsley Harriott and Tom Kerridge leading the charge.
"Gary was a fantastic chef and incredible ambassador for British cooking," wrote Oliver, 44, on Instagram, continuing: "He was a massive inspiration to me as a young chef. He reimagined modern British cuisine with elegance and fun.
He finished: "Rest in peace Chef."
Gordon Ramsay, 53, wrote on Instagram: "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."
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Ainsley Harriott, 62, echoed the sentiment, tweeting: "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. xx"
Tom Kerridge called Gary Rhodes "one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage. Taking simple ingredients, embracing classic dishes & making something world class."
The 44-year-old added: "Many chefs have been through his kitchen, myself included. I consider it to be an honour to have stood alongside him at the pass."
Featured Image Credit: PA
