Gary Rhodes (Photo by Nick Harvey/WireImage)(Image: Nick Harvey/Getty)

Celebrity chef's sudden death shocks Strictly partner Karen Hardy

BBC Strictly Come Dancing has been on our screens for more than 20 years but some of its stars have sadly passed away, including celebrity chef Gary Rhodes who competed on the show in 2008

by · Wales Online

Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens for 20 years, and sadly, we've bid farewell to some of its stars since its inception in 2004. The BBC show's anniversary series is currently being broadcast, with the first results show a few weeks ago opening with a routine from the judges and professional dancers to Prince's When Doves Cry. A standout musical performance of God Gave Me Feet for Dancing by Ezra Collective featuring Yazmin Lacey also featured.

However, one star who is sadly no longer with us following their time on the dance floor is celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, who partnered with pro dancer Karen Hardy in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Gary traded his kitchen for the dance floor but was the third contestant to be eliminated, following EastEnders actors Phil Daniels and Gillian Taylforth.

Gary, who received an OBE in 2006, was a renowned restaurateur and had made appearances on numerous TV shows including MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen. His sudden death at the age of 59 in November 2019 sent shockwaves through the culinary world. The chef passed away after suddenly falling ill at his home in Dubai during a break from filming a new TV series. His family later confirmed that his death was due to a fatal brain bleed following a collapse.

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Gary Rhodes, the celebrated chef and Masterchef star, died at 59 after a subdural hematoma, with his wife Jennie Rhodes by his side during the tragic final moments in hospital. A subdural hematoma is typically a result of a head injury, leading to blood collecting between the skull and brain surface. His former dance partner from Strictly, Karen Hardy, lamented his passing on platform X by saying: "I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time. RIP xxx".

Picture shows: GARY RHODES OBE DANCES WITH KAREN HARDY during RESULTS SHOW THESE PICTURES ARE UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 5th OCTOBER 2008 21.00 TX: BBC One, Sun 5th October 2008 © BBC(Image: BBC)

Karen, who joined the hit show Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and clinched victory in 2006 with cricketer Mark Ramprakash, decided to leave the show two years later, citing she had "fell out of love" with it following her pairing with Gary. Their partnership reportedly saw difficulties because of Gary's demanding work schedule, which led to strained training sessions. However, upon learning of his untimely demise in Dubai, Karen was expressed her grief, acknowledging that she was "truly speechless."

Having moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2011, Gary established two successful eateries in Dubai. At the time of his unexpected death, he was involved in a new television project.

The production company responsible for his latest show confirmed that Gary passed away after "suddenly" falling ill. In a joint statement, Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV expressed their sorrow: "Gary was in the middle of filming a wonderful new series with Rock Oyster Media for ITV from his base in Dubai. 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."

THESE PICTURES ARE STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL THE 28TH AUGUST 2008 AT 12.30PM PICTURE SHOWS:GARY RHODES © BBC TX BBC ONE TBC WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.(Image: BBC)

An insider shared with OK! that the chef appeared to be in great spirits just a few weeks prior to his passing. They remarked: "Gary was in high spirits when I saw him at a black-tie gala event two weeks ago. He was his usual bubbly self and was full of smiles as he worked the room looking happy and well. The event was in aid of a children's charity, something that was extremely important to him and he actually bid on several items that night. That is typical Gary, always helping others in whatever way he can."

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The Rhodes family released a heartfelt statement confirming the sad news: "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 26th November 2019, 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."