Tributes have been pouring in, following news of the death of Ross Burden, the New Zealand-born chef who found fame in the UK.
Ross, who had been back in his home country for the past four years, died of infection, following treatment for leukaemia. He was 45.
One of the first of the most recent generation of TV cookery stars, Ross grew up in Taradale, New Zealand, but became a household name in the UK after appearing on MasterChef back in 1993, where his good looks ensured instant fan mail.
Ross Burden became an instant hit in the UK when he appeared on 'MasterChef'
He followed this up with regular appearances on MasterChef and Ready Steady Cook, and a series of best-selling books he co-wrote with fellow presenter Ainsley Harriott.
He returned home to New Zealand in 2010, where he hosted his home nation's own MasterChef, until he was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. He died on 17 July in Aukland from an infection following a recent bone marrow transplant.
Ross is survived by his mother and his sister, and his death has triggered blogs and tweets from around the world, lamenting his loss, and marking his shining TV presence, but also his sense of adventure and enthusiasm that stretched far beyond the kitchen.