Strictly Come Dancing pays tribute to Gary Rhodes

\'Strictly Come Dancing\' 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.

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

"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.

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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.

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.

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"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."

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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)"