Celebrity chef’s sudden death has left Strictly partner Karen Hardy in shock. The BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, which has been captivating audiences for over two decades, has sadly seen some of its stars pass away, including celebrity chef Gary Rhodes who participated in the show back in 2008. The anniversary series of the show is currently airing, with notable performances, one of which featured a routine to Prince’s When Doves Cry by the judges and professional dancers, along with a musical number by Ezra Collective featuring Yazmin Lacey. However, one star who is no longer with us is the renowned celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, who teamed up with professional dancer Karen Hardy during the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Gary Rhodes, who was bestowed with an OBE in 2006, was not only a talented chef but also a familiar face on various TV shows like MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen. His unexpected demise at the age of 59 in November 2019 stunned the culinary world when he fell seriously ill at his home in Dubai during a break from the filming of a new TV series, succumbing to a fatal brain bleed following a collapse. His former dance partner from Strictly, Karen Hardy, expressed her condolences by stating, “I am truly speechless and lost for words, but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time. RIP.”
Karen Hardy, who won the Strictly Come Dancing competition in 2006 with cricketer Mark Ramprakash, joined the show in 2005 but decided to depart two years later after partnering with Gary. The pair reportedly faced challenges due to Gary’s demanding work commitments, leading to strained training sessions. Although their partnership had its difficulties, Karen was deeply saddened upon learning of Gary’s sudden passing in Dubai, expressing that she was “truly speechless.”
Gary had relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2011 and had established two successful eateries in Dubai. At the time of his untimely death, he was immersed in a new television project. The production company responsible for the show he was working on confirmed his passing after falling ill suddenly. Gary’s jovial demeanour was noted by an insider who saw him at a black-tie gala event just weeks before his passing, where he was actively engaging with guests and supporting a children’s charity, a cause close to his heart.
The Rhodes family released a poignant statement confirming Gary’s passing, expressing their deep sadness and asking for privacy during this difficult time. Gary Rhodes will be fondly remembered for his culinary skills and his time on Strictly Come Dancing, leaving a lasting impact on both the culinary and entertainment worlds.