Tributes are pouring in from around the world for Keith Floyd, 65, the British TV chef, restaurateur, writer and bon vivant, who has died following a heart attack.
The UK Guardian reports that today's generation of celebrity chefs, whose careers he had arguably made possible, were quick to acknowledge his importance. Hester Blumenthal said Floyd had created "a new genre of television", while Rick Stein recalled a "red wine drinking hero". Jamie Oliver simply described him as "the best" television chef and a huge inspiration.
Floyd, who was married four times and divorced four times, was said to have spent his final day in not untypical fashion with a gourmet meal at the Hix Oyster and Fish House restaurant in Lyme Regis.
Floyd, who revealed he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year, and a friend, Celia Martin, enjoyed three courses, a bottle of French red wine and several cigarettes before returning to Martin's home in Dorset, reported The Guardian.
Martin, who said the pair shared a platonic relationship, added that Floyd fell asleep before his breathing became erratic. She called an ambulance but paramedics were unable to revive him.
With his enthusiastic presenting style, English gent persona and ever-present glass of wine, Floyd was instantly recognisable. Whether he was surrounded by ostriches in Africa or preparing a dish on the open deck of a fishing trawler in a storm, Floyd broke the mould of previous cookery shows.
Stein, who now resides in Australia, told The Guardian: "I never lost that awe of him. He was the first devil-may-care cook on TV who made cooking something the boys could do too. He cooked like a dream and loved food and wine with a passion."