Gary Rhodes was cremated after a private funeral service over the weekend.

Gary Rhodes

Gary Rhodes

The 59-year-old TV chef died suddenly last month after collapsing at his home in Dubai with a subdural hematoma and his family and friends paid tribute to him with a private ceremony in Kensal Rise, London on Sunday (15.12.19) before they celebrated his life with 350 others at a reception at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Gary's brother Chris Rhodes tweeted: "It wasn't goodbye to you today bro it was just au revoir. Give a massive hug to Mum and John for me. I will love you always."

And Gary's friend Jaideep Bhatia, who is head of PR at Dubai's Grosvenor Hotel where Gary had his W1 Restaurant, told MailOnline: "It was a very moving service and his wife, sons and daughter-in-law, Meghan, paid tribute.

"Gary's sons Sam and George and his wife Meghan expressed their immense love, adoration and respect for an extraordinary man who was a husband, father and father-in-law.

"They said Gary would be irreplaceable in their lives and of many others.

"At the Grosvenor House tribute his decision to move to Dubai in 2007 and later up his family to move there was remembered with great affection.

"Gary wasn't one of those chefs who put his name above a restaurant door in Dubai and then went off elsewhere. He became a legend in the UAE and was regarded as the chef of chefs.

"He has left behind an incredible legacy. Gary will always be missed by everyone in the UAE and in Britain.

"We still can't believe that this lovely talented man has gone. But his family have vowed to continue his good work and make sure that his name has never forgotten."

Late last month, the TV chef's family broke their silence "to end painful speculation" surrounding his death and they confirmed he collapsed at his home in Dubai with a subdural hematoma.

In a statement to the London Evening Standard, they said: "In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.

"After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma.

"At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time."

The comment comes after the 'MasterChef' star's close friend and fellow chef Vineet Bhatia revealed Gary had slipped and banged his head.

He recently claimed: "I have been told by friends in Dubai that he slipped and banged his head and was then taken to hospital."


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