Nigella Lawson and Gwyneth Paltrow have led tributes to restaurateur and TV chef Bill Granger after his death aged 54 on Christmas Day.
The Australian culinary star, who founded the Granger & Co restaurants in London and fronted a BBC food show, ‘died peacefully in hospital’ on Christmas Day, according to a statement from his family on social media.
Paying tribute on social media, food writer and TV cook Nigella, 63, said: ‘I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel.’
Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth, 51, was also among those who replied to the Granger family’s online statement.
‘Oh my goodness, this is so heartbreaking! Love to you all,’ she wrote.
Remembering Granger, Hollywood actor Hugh, 55, wrote on his Instagram Stories in a joint tribute with ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness: ‘We are devastated to hear the news of Bill’s passing.
‘His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring.’
‘We will miss his friendship most of all. Our love goes out to Natalie and their three incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny.’
British TV chef Jamie Oliver, 48, paid tribute to Granger on social media and said the news of his death was ‘devastating.’
He said: ‘This is devastating news, I’m so sad to hear this, what a guy he was… a wonderful human, kind calm soul….’
‘I admired everything he represented in food, I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn’t have been nicer and his food so good…’
Actor Richard E Grant shared a row of heartbreak emojis while Australian singer and actor Jason Donovan dubbed Granger a ‘ray of Aussie sunshine.’
Granger founded his first restaurant, called Bills, which gained recognition for its breakfast dishes, specifically scrambled eggs, in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.
He opened several more across his native Australia and later brought the franchise to Japan.
In the UK, Granger established his first Granger & Co restaurant in Notting Hill before expanding across the capital in locations including King’s Cross.
On TV, Granger fronted six-part series, Bill’s Food, which was aired on the BBC, and also appeared on GMTV for a barbeque special in 2006.
He later helmed Bill’s Holiday, which featured Granger’s travels exploring the varying regions and produce of Australia, and Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill.
In 2019 he was among the chefs, including Tom Kerridge and Prue Leith, sharing the secrets behind the dishes that had shaped their lives in the documentary series My Greatest Dishes.
Announcing his death, Granger’s family wrote on Instagram: ‘It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54.
‘A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.
‘Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years.’
The statement published on Boxing Day added: ‘He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given.’
Granger is survived by his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny.
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