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Privacy NoticeStrictly Come Dancing has been on TV for 20 years – and sadly we’ve lost some of its stars along the way since the programme first aired in 2004. The BBC show’s anniversary series is currently on air and the first results show just weeks ago kicked off with a routine from the judges and professional dancers to When Doves Cry by Prince. There was also a show-stopping musical performance of God Gave Me Feet for Dancing from Ezra Collective featuring Yazmin Lacey. But one star who is tragically no longer around since their stint on the ballroom floor is celebrity chef Gary Rhodes who competed on Strictly Come Dancing alongside pro dancer Karen Hardy in 2008. Gary swapped the kitchen for the dance floor but was the third to be eliminated following EastEnders stars Phil Daniels and Gillian Taylforth’s exits.
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hardy said she was “speechless” after the shocking news that celebrity chef and former celeb dance partner Gary Rhodes had died
(Image: BBC)
Gary, who was awarded an OBE IN 2006, was a well-known restaurateur and had appeared on a number of TV shows including MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen. But his death at aged 59 shocked the cooking world in November 2019. The chef died after suddenly being taken ill at his home in Dubai during a break while filming a new TV series. It was later confirmed by his family that his death was the result of a fatal bleed on the brain after collapsing.
Gary, who was awarded an OBE IN 2006, was a well-known restaurateur and had appeared on a number of TV shows including MasterChef and Hells Kitchen
Gary appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008
(Image: BBC)
His wife of 30 years, Jennie Rhodes, was with Gary in his final moments as he died after suffering a subdural hematoma after being rushed to hospital. It is usually caused by a head injury and results in blood collecting between the skull and the surface of the brain. In a tribute on X, Gary’s former Strictly partner Karen wrote at the time: “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 joined Strictly in 2005 and won in 2006 with Mark Ramprakash. The dancer left the BBC One show after she “fell out of love” with it in 2008 when she was paired with Gary. The pair reportedly struggled to train much due to Gary’s work commitments which caused tension between him and Karen. But when the TV chef tragically passed away at the age of 59 in Dubai, Karen expressed her sadness and admitted she was “speechless”.
Karen Hardy joined Strictly in 2005 and won in 2006 with Mark Ramprakash
(Image: BBC)
Masterchef star Gary had lived in the UAE since 2011, where he owned two restaurants. Gary was working on a new TV show in Dubai at the time of his death, and the show’s production company has said that he died after falling ill “suddenly”. In a statement, Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said: “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.”
When the TV chef tragically passed away at the age of 59 in Dubai, Karen expressed her sadness and admitted she was “speechless”
(Image: ITV)
A source exclusively told OK! at the time that the chef was in “high spirits” just weeks ago. They said: “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.” Gary’s family confirmed the tragic news by releasing a statement which read: “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.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnMasterchefStrictly Come Dancing
