Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes died suddenly in Dubai yesterday (Tuesday 26th November) with his wife Jennie at his side.
In a statament his family said they were "deeply saddened" by his death.
Tributes have been paid from famous chefs in the UK and abroad.
The Oldham Evening Chronicle spoke to Simon Wood, owner of Wood Restaurants, he said, "My head chef at my Manchester restaurant took his first head chef role with Gray Rhodes at Rhodes South in Dorset.
"He's culinary icon throughtout the industry hes inspired many cooks and chefs alike."
"He had a massive influence on people around the world not just the UK, he's a popular figure out there-to such a vast array of chefs of all levels, home cooks and people that love food.
"What you remember him for is the flamboyant approach to cooking, the spikey hair and the energy. You could tell he loved what he did."
"He shaped the industry in it's hay day if you like."
Details about the cause of his death are not yet known.
