British chef Chris Wheeler, known for his appearances on popular cooking programs such as Great British Menu, Hell’s Kitchen, and Saturday Kitchen, has passed away, prompting heartfelt tributes from colleagues across the culinary world. The news was shared by renowned chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who described Wheeler as not only a remarkable chef but also an extraordinary person. In a moving message, Novelli said Wheeler had been part of his professional life for more than three decades, recalling how he first invited the young chef to join his kitchen team when Wheeler was just 16 years old. Over the years, their professional partnership grew into a close friendship, with Novelli describing him as a dependable and kind presence who left a lasting mark on everyone around him. Born in Swanage, Dorset, Wheeler built an impressive career in fine dining after beginning his culinary training in France, working at the Domaine de Bassible Hotel and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ségos, where his talent quickly gained recognition.

Throughout his career, Wheeler achieved several milestones that highlighted both his skill and personality. He became the youngest sous-chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant early in his career and later gained wider recognition through television appearances and culinary competitions. In 2006, he even ran the London Marathon dressed as a chef while flipping a pancake throughout the entire race, finishing the 26-mile challenge in six hours and 50 minutes. His dedication to the craft earned him spots in Tatler’s Restaurant Guide in 2013 and 2014, and he was named Chef of the Year at the Berkshire Life Food and Drinks Awards in 2016. That same year, he represented the South West region on Great British Menu, showcasing his culinary creativity to a national audience. In 2025, he joined the team at The Hurlingham Club. Fellow chefs remembered him as generous, passionate, and deeply respected within the industry. His cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.