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Strictly Come Dancing pays tribute to Gary Rhodes following his death

Such sad news

BBC2’s Strictly Come Dancing sister show It Takes Two has paid tribute to the late Gary Rhodes.

The TV chef passed away on Tuesday (26.11.19) aged 59, and Zoe Ball, who co-hosts the BBC Latin and ballroom’s spin-off show It Takes Two, paid tribute to the former Strictly contestant, who took part in the sixth series in 2008 alongside pro partner Karen Hardy.

Speaking on the programme last night (27.11.19), she said: “Now you may have heard the very sad news that Gary Rhodes passed away.

“Gary was a member of the Strictly family back in 2008 when he danced with Karen Hardy.

Gary appeared on Strictly in 2008 partnered with Karen Hardy (Credit: Splash News)

Read More: Gary Rhodes’ daughter-in-law pays emotional tribute to the celebrity chef after his tragic death

“This evening, our love and thoughts go out to Gary’s family and friends.”

The former Hell’s Kitchen star was eliminated third on the programme.

Our love and thoughts go out to Gary’s family and friends.

Yesterday, a statement released by Dubai Police said the chef “died of natural causes”.

And it was also revealed he was taken ill “very suddenly” during a break from filming a new TV show in Dubai, where he lived.

Sadly Gary fell ill very suddenly (Credit: Splash News)

Read More: Gary Rhodes died of natural causes according to local police 

Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said in a statement: “Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai.

“All at Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch are devastated by this tragic news.

“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.”

Several TV chefs paid tribute to the late Masterchef star, including Jamie Oliver.

He wrote: “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 (sic)”

Gordon Ramsay wrote on Twitter: “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 (sic)”

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor