Gary Rhodes ‘slipped and banged his head’ before his death aged 59, according to one of his close friends.
The celebrity chef has passed away in Dubai, with the production company of his new TV series saying that Rhodes ‘was taken ill very suddenly’ during a break in filming.
However, chef Vineet Bhatia – who was filming with Rhodes just four days before his death – has claimed that the star suffered a fall.
Speaking to the Mail Online, the Michelin-starred Indian chef said: ‘I have been told by friends in Dubai that he slipped and banged his head and was then taken to hospital.
‘I wish I could have been there for him. He was such a lovely man. So friendly and enjoying his life.’
Bhatia added: ‘I remember him telling me last week “life couldn’t be better”. He was very fit and healthy and this is such a great shock.
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‘I remember when he shook my hand it was so firm and his hug was so tight. This was a man who probably had a six pack and worked out in the gym.’
Bhatia’s claim comes after Jamie Oliver suggested that Rhodes had suffered a ‘tragic fall’, as he wrote in an Instagram tribute: ‘Sadly Chef Gary Rhodes OBE passed away after a tragic fall. My heart felt sympathies to his wife, kids, friends and family, sending love and thoughts…’
However, Jamie has since deleted ‘after a tragic fall’ from his Instagram post.
While the chef’s cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed, yesterday Rock Oyster and Goldfinch TV told PA in a statement: ‘It is with terrible sadness that we share the news thatGary Rhodes OBE, TV chef, author and restaurateur has died suddenly at the age of 59.
‘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.’
They added: ‘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 his shock death in a statement on Wednesday, reading: ‘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.
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‘The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time.’
The MasterChef star had been filming a new series about Middle Eastern cuisine, and days before his passing, Bhatia shared pictures with Rhodes from the kitchen as they filmed a segment for the show.
Sharing the final pictures of Rhodes, Bhatia wrote on Instagram: ‘Extremely sad to know of Chef Gary Rhodes sudden passing away.
‘Had known this gem of a man & an amazing chef for years and intact filmed with him just 4 days ago in Dubai for his new TV series.
‘RIP my friend and may God give strength to Jennie and your boys in these tough times. 🙏🙏🙏 #garyrhodes #legend.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted the estate of Gary Rhodes and Vineet Bhatia for further comment.
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