Gary Rhodes’ family has issued an additional statement about the celebrity chef’s cause of death.

On Wednesday, Gary’s family shared the news that he had died at the age of 59, with Dubai Police later confirming that he had died of natural causes.

The following afternoon, the Rhodes family released a second statement, in which they revealed he had died of a “subdural hematoma”, which they said they hoped would bring an end to “painful speculation” surrounding their sudden loss.

“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,” they 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 statement from production company Rock Oyster Media previously said that Gary had “taken ill very suddenly at home during a break in filming”, and died “a short time afterwards”.

In addition to being a chef and restaurateur – which included serving as the head chef at Mayfair’s Greenhouse Restaurant, before opening his own restaurants around the world – Gary was well-known for his TV career.

As well as fronting his own cooking shows like Rhodes Around Britain and Gary’s Perfect Christmas, Gary hosted the first two series of the US version of MasterChef, and was one of two chefs who led teams on the second series of Hell’s Kitchen, alongside Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Gary was made an OBE in 2006 for his services to the British hospitality industry.