Television chef Gary Rhodes died with his wife by his bedside in Dubai on Tuesday The British chef moved to the UAE in recent years for work DUBAI: Television chef Gary Rhodes died of natural causes in Dubai on Tuesday after "very suddenly falling ill.” The cook credited with rejuvenating British cuisine passed away with his wife by his bedside. He was 59 years old. Dubai police said the star died from natural causes. His TV production company said he fell ill during a break in filming for a new series. A statement from his family said: “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 Nov. 26, 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.” The British chef and “Masterchef” star moved to the UAE in 2011 where he opened several restaurants . A statement from the hotel where he worked in Dubai read: “The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Chef Gary Rhodes OBE. Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend. “No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family.” He also partnered up with the cinema group VOX creating the “Theatre By Rhodes” dining experience. The cinema group took to social media to release a statement. Rhodes was in the middle of filming a new series for Britain’s ITV when he became ill during a break from filming, the production company working on the show said. “Gary was taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming and died a short time afterwards,” Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV said. “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.” Fellow celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay paid tribute on Twitter describing Rhodes as a “fantasic chef” who put British cuisine on the map. Rhodes is survived by his wife of 30 years Jennie and their sons Samuel and George. Celebrities took to Twitter and Instagram to pay their respect.