Keith Floyd, one of television's most loved celebrity chefs, has died aged 65 after having a heart attack.
Floyd, described today as "a genius," was best known for his enthusiastic presenting style, dress sense and ever-present glass of red wine. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year.
Fellow chefs have paid tribute to Floyd, with Raymond Blanc saying he popularised cooking and Jamie Oliver describing him as "the best television chef".
"In his own characteristic way, Floyd was a genius," Blanc said. "He demystified food and made it a popular craft. He was the first chef to reform TV completely. He truly was a charming and generous man. I will miss him."
Antony Worrall Thompson said Floyd helped Britons enjoy food. "All of us modern TV chefs owe a living to him," he said. "He kind of spawned us all. He turned cookery shows into entertainment.
Continued here.
Keith was the TV chef who quite literally changed the face of food in Britain. Two world wars had robbed us of our culinary skills and left us with a diet that made this country a laughingstock. This one man turned it all around and again made British food world class once again as well as returned the joy of cooking for us all.
He also managed to upset a few folks along the way, especially puffin lovers
Fair well, fellow gastronaut!
