Strictly star Karen Hardy's heartfelt tribute to Gary Rhodes after his sudden death
Gary Rhodes was a much-loved TV chef and former Strictly Come Dancing star, who sadly died at the age of 59 after falling ill at his home in Dubai.
The nation was left in shock when the beloved TV chef and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Gary Rhodes died suddenly.
As Strictly celebrates its 20th anniversary, we remember Rhodes who graced the dance floor back in 2008, partnering with professional dancer Karen Hardy. Despite his culinary prowess, he was the third contestant to leave that year's competition.
His untimely death at 59 in 2019 sent ripples of grief across the country. While filming a new series in Dubai, Rhodes suffered a fatal bleed on the brain at his home.
Karen, his dance partner from Strictly, expressed her devastation on social media, saying she was "truly speechless".
Her heartfelt message read: "I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time. RIP xxx". Karen, who joined Strictly in its second season in 2004, went on to win the show with celebrity partner Mark Ramprakash in 2006, reports the Mirror.
Karen stepped away from the BBC show after confessing she "fell out of love" with it back in 2008.
The celebrity chef, known for his stints on shows like MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen, made Dubai his home from 2011 to 2019.
It was there he launched two dining establishments and was developing a new television project.
Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV released a statement saying: "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."
An insider conveyed to OK! magazine: "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."
His family released a heartfelt statement confirming the tragic 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."
