Tributes have poured in for legendary chef and restaurateur Michel Roux following his death.
It has been reported that Roux passed away on Wednesday night at his home in Berkshire at the age of 78, following a long-term illness.
In a statement issued on his behalf of his family, his son and his two daughters, it stated that Roux’s family “would like to thank everyone for their support during his illness”.
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The news of Roux’s death, having been described as “the godfather of modern cuisine” following the opening of his London Le Gavroche restaurant, has sent shockwaves through the culinary industry.
Celebrities including First Dates star Fred Sirieix and former Bake Off winner Candice Brown have shared messages of condolence in tribute to the late chef.
“RIP #MichelRoux. You and your brother Albert changed the face of gastronomy, eating out and the world of restaurants in the UK,” Sirieix tweeted.
“Every professional in this country are a proud descendant of your heritage. We owe you. Thank you #legend [sic].”
Brown also shared a tweet, stating that “the chef world has truly lost a legend”.
“One of the very very best #michelroux thoughts are with his family.”
The Michelin Guide issued a statement on Twitter, describing Roux as “a true titan of the hospitality industry”.
“He inspired a whole generation of chefs and the UK restaurant scene would not be what it is today were it not for his influence,” the statement read.
Brian Turner, chef and president of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, said that the gastronomy world in the UK has “lost their greatest modern champion”.
“An adopted son of Great Britain, Michel Roux was a much-loved chef with a mischievous sense of humour,” Turner said, according to The Caterer.
“By creating and developing the Roux Scholarship many young cooks in this country have profited by the passion of the Roux family and the leadership and dedication of Michel and will constantly be aware how this has changed the lives of so many of the top chefs in this country.”
Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson described Roux as “a wonderful man”.
“He knew his craft so well and to maintain those three Michelin stars for so many years was an incredible achievement,” Thompson stated.
“He was French but he adopted our country. Everyone strived to be like the Roux brothers. They changed the face of British dining, because we were considered to be a joke… Anyone who wanted to be a Michelin chef would have always looked up to the Roux brothers, there’s no doubt about that.”
Television presenter Julia Bradbury also tweeted in homage to Roux, stating: “Such respect for the legend #MichelRoux.”
