Gary Rhodes died of “natural causes” after being taken ill “very suddenly”, it has been confirmed.
The TV chef died at his home in Dubai during a break from filming a new show for ITV at the age of 59.
Dubai Police confirmed Gary died of natural causes in a statement, with the production company of his new show adding his death came “a short time after” he was taken ill.
“Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Gary’s family confirmed news of his death on Wednesday morning saying they had been left “deeply saddened”.
They added: “The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time.”
In addition to his career as a chef and restaurateur – which included serving as the head chef at Mayfair’s Greenhouse Restaurant, before opening his own restaurants around the world – Gary was well-known for his appearances on TV.
As well as fronting his own cooking shows like Rhodes Around Britain and Gary’s Perfect Christmas, Gary hosted the first two series of the US version of MasterChef, and was one of two chefs who led teams on the second series of Hell’s Kitchen, alongside Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Gary was made an OBE in 2006 for his services to the British hospitality industry.