Chris Wheeler, a chef known for his appearances on the BBC's Great British Menu, has died. His cause of death has not been disclosed. Wheeler also famously flipped a pancake while running the London Marathon and baked a cake used in the 2004 film Layer Cake.
Fellow chef Jean-Christophe Novelli confirmed the death on social media, writing: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I say goodbye to my dear friend, Chris Wheeler. His loss is a devastating blow to the industry and to humanity.' Novelli added that Wheeler was 'an extraordinary chef, but even more extraordinary as a man'.
Wheeler, originally from Swanage, Dorset, trained at Bournemouth catering college before working in a Michelin-starred kitchen in France. He later worked at Le Provence, Gordleton Mill and the Four Seasons under Novelli, who described him as 'my rock' for over 30 years.
In 2003, Wheeler left to become head chef at Humphry's restaurant in Stoke Park, which later won three AA rosettes. He once admitted he had wanted to be a zookeeper but changed his mind after a catering placement in France, quipping: 'I suppose it's nearly the same – feeding animals!'
Wheeler was highly competitive outside the kitchen, regularly running marathons for charity. In 2006, he completed the London Marathon dressed as a chef while flipping a pancake, finishing in six hours and 50 minutes. He also baked the cake for the Daniel Craig film Layer Cake.
Tributes from fans described him as 'a true gentleman and fierce grafter'. Novelli ended his tribute: 'I will miss him forever.'
