Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes died after suffering a fatal bleed on the brain, his family have confirmed.

The 59-year-old, who grew up in Medway, had returned home from filming a new ITV show in Dubai but later collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he died, the family said in a statement.

KMTV reports on tributes to Medway chef Gary Rhodes who has died aged 59

The statement said the family wanted to end "painful speculation" about Mr Rhodes's unexpected death on Tuesday and that he died from a subdural hematoma.

“In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie," the statement said.

"After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural hematoma.

"At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.”

A subdural hematoma is often associated with a traumatic brain injury and occurs when blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.

It can occur after a severe head injury such as a fall or car crash but can happen a few days or weeks after a minor injury.

Earlier, friend and fellow chef Vineet Bhatia claimed Mr Rhodes had suffered a tragic fall and hit his head, according to reports in the national media today.

Mr Bhatia was filming with Mr Rhodes at his Dubai restaurant for the new programme just four days earlier.

Mr Rhodes' death at the age of 59 shocked the culinary world yesterday as thousands of tributes were paid by colleagues, friends and fans from around the world.

The former Gillingham schoolboy - who went to the Howard School in Rainham and Twydall Junior School - was said to be fit and healthy, Mr Bhatia told Mail Online after speaking to friends in Dubai.

The pair spent last week filming together at Mr Bhatia's restaurant in Dubai for the new show.

They had been working together just four days before his death.

Mr Bhatia, who owns restaurants in Chelsea and Dubai, shared a picture on Instagram yesterday of the two of them together during the filming.

It is believed to be one of the last pictures taken of Mr Rhodes.

Mr Bhatia said Mr Rhodes was enjoying life and was hoping to expand his businesses.

Production company Rock Oyster Media confirmed Mr Rhodes was filming for a new programme in a statement adding the chef was taken ill during a break in filming.

A statement from Dubai police released yesterday said Mr Rhodes died of "natural causes".

Mr Rhodes, renowned for his spiky hair, achieved five Michelin stars during his career. He was described as a "true gentleman" and one of the country's best chefs who put British cuisine "on the world stage".

Kent chef Richard Phillips, who trained at Thanet Technical College - the same place Mr Rhodes trained at, said: "Such sad news. True gentleman and inspiration to the industry."

Tom Kerridge said: "I’m deeply shocked and hugely saddened to hear the tragic news about Gary Rhodes. He is one of the greatest British chefs who almost single handedly put British food on the world stage."

Mr Rhodes moved to Dubai in 2010 setting up steakhouse Twenty10.

The MasterChef star was working at the Grosvenor House Dubai hotel at the time of his death.

He returned to his former school in 2008 to launch the Flora Cooking with Schools campaign.

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