Gary Rhodes death: Celebrity chef died from 'head injury', family reveals

Television presenter and Michelin-star restaurant owner suffered subdural hematoma and collapsed

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes died from a head injury after collapsing at his home in Dubai, his family have revealed.

They said in a statement that Rhodes suffered a subdural hematoma, normally associated with a brain injury, and was taken to hospital. The statement did not explain what caused the injury.

“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 said.

“After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma.

“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.”

The world’s top chefs as well as fans of the television star have paid lavish tribute to the Michelin-star chef, who was best known for fronting programmes including MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen.

Also famous for his spiky hair and his passion for British cuisine​, Rhodes brought a love of cookery to younger generations.

He made his first television appearance at the age of 27 on a programme called ​​Hot Chefs, and went on to front his own food programmes, including Rhodes Around Britain.

He also published more than 20 cookery books, including New British Classics and The Complete Cookery Year.

In addition to his restaurants, books and television programmes, Rhodes was an established personal chef, having cooked for celebrities including Tom Hanks and Princess Diana.

In 2006, he was awarded an OBE for his services to the hospitality industry.

Fellow chef Tom Kerridge wrote: “He is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single-handedly put British food on the world stage.”