TV chef dies aged 63 as heartbroken family pay emotional tribute | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

TV chef Richard Hughes has died aged 63 after battling a long-term illness, his family have said. The star was best known for being chef patron at Norwich’s Assembly House and often appeared on local shows in Norfolk.

His family confirmed that Richard passed away on Sunday as they remembered the “kind, funny, generous” man that he was. In a statement, his wife Stacia Briggs said: “The Assembly House is overwhelmed by the thousands of messages they have received today.

“Richard’s influence spreads through kitchens across the world through the hundreds of chefs he mentored. We are so very proud of his work and the kind, funny, generous man he was.”

The family statement added: “Thank you, Chef. We love you. Our ringmaster may have left the tent but the show goes on in his name.”

Richard had been unwell for the past four years, and had been receiving treatment for 18 months when he died. His last shift in the kitchen was in December 2023.

Shortly before he died, Richard wrote: “A lot of my sadness over the last few months has been the the fact that I can’t get into my kitchen, that I won’t cook the 2024 Xmas menus I’ve written and I can’t cook the dishes from the Waitrose Magazine’s French classics edition.

“It’s been my life, and the is sadness for me is that I’ve lost that. I love it so much.”

He emotionally continued: “But of course, it’s not just about the food, it never has been. It’s the joy of giving, of looking after people, of giving them respite from their day-to-day, making memories that will last and most importantly, bringing glamour into people’s lives.

“And it’s working with my family, my very best friends, my very favourite people. What a privilege. I’ve been an incredibly lucky boy.”

The Assembley House shared a tribute to him on their Facebook page as fans flooded the comments with heartbreak. One user wrote: “Just so sad!! He was a clever, lovely inspirational man. He will be sorely missed. He always had time for a word when I saw him.

“We loved the Lavender House, he made it special, and always made you feel you were important. Thoughts are with his family, R.I.P Richard.”

Another added: “My deepest condolences to you all! What a wonderful man, and amazing talent! We love the assembly house and will return to pay our respects and enjoy the food he intended! Thank you x”.

While a third penned: “His energy and passion for great cooking was exceeded only by his energy and passion for the people with whom he worked. Go well, Richard. You were a very special person – one of a kind.”

The talented chef is survived by Ms Briggs, daughters Alison and Stacey, grandsons Isaac, Miles and Bennett, brothers David and Phillip and stepchildren Ruby and Cole.

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