Strictly professional heartbroken and 'lost for words' over star's sudden death at 59

When news emerged of , the nation mourned the loss of a much-loved TV chef and former star.

And so now, with the current series of Strictly marking the show's 20th year on screen, one person who made up part of the show's history was Gary, following his performance in 2008. The TV star swapped his love for creating show-stopping meals for the dancefloor but was the third to be eliminated from the show, along with his professional partner Karen Hardy.

So it was no surprise that his death at the age of 59 shocked the nation in 2019. He fell ill at his home in Dubai while filming a new TV series and suffered bleed on the brain. Paying tribute to Gary , Karen took to social media and said she was "truly speechless."

She wrote on X 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 a year after the debut series in 2004. And by 2006 she held up the Glitterball as she won then series along with .

READ MORE:

Karen quit the BBC show after she revealed she "fell out of love" with it in 2008, the same year she was partnered with Gary. According to reports, tension grew between the pair as Gary was unable to commit fully to the training schedule. The late star, who appeared on a number of TV shows including MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen, had lived in Dubai from 2011 until 2019. During his time in the UAE, he had opened two restaurants and was working on a new show.

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 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."

A source told OK! at the time: "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."

And Gary's family confirmed his passing in a statement that 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."

READ MORE:

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and