BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'lost for words' after pro death

Gary Rhodes, who died at the age of 59, was a professional chef and TV presenter who also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008

The nation was left reeling when news broke of Gary Rhodes' untimely passing, mourning the loss of the beloved TV chef and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant. As the current series of Strictly marks its 20th anniversary, Gary's appearance on the show in 2008 remains a memorable part of its history.

The TV personality traded his culinary skills for dance moves, but unfortunately, he was the third contestant to be eliminated, along with his professional partner Karen Hardy. Gary's sudden death at 59 in 2019 sent shockwaves across the nation.

He had fallen ill at his Dubai home while filming a new TV series and suffered a brain hemorrhage. Karen paid tribute to Gary on social media, saying 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 in 2005, a year after its debut, and went on to win the 2006 series with Mark Ramprakash. Karen decided to leave the BBC show after confessing she "fell out of love" with it in 2008, the same year she was paired with Gary, reports the Mirror.

Reports suggest that tension escalated between the duo as Gary struggled to fully commit to the training schedule. The late star, who graced several TV shows including MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen, resided in Dubai from 2011 until 2019.

During his stint in the UAE, he launched 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 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."

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."

Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

The family of Gary Rhodes has confirmed the chef's death with a heartfelt statement: "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."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.