Celebrity chef Ross Burden was diagnosed with leukaemia last year in July and contracted an infection after a recent bone marrow transplant.

It has now been revealed that he sadly died on July 17th at home in New Zealand.

Ross' sister told the New Zealand Herald that her brother was a 'larger than life' guy.

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She said: "He's just a friendly, compassionate guy - nothing was too much trouble. He was my big, fantastic incredible, larger-than-life brother.

"Right up until probably a week-and-a-half ago, he was making his next lot of plans. He had the world map out."

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Paul Hollywood, along with a whole host of other celebrities, hit Twitter with a tribute to the late star this morning.

He wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear the news that Ross Burden has died.. appearing for years in Ready, Steady Cook, my thoughts are with his family x"

James Martin tweeted: "Just heard the sad news my old Ready, Steady, Cook colleague Ross Burden has passed away. My thoughts go out to friends and family. RIP Ross"

Phil Vickery added: "Very sad news my friend and fellow chef Ross Burden died today!"

And Aldo Zilli wrote: "Remembering the good times on this very sad day for the Ross Burden family my thoughts are with you."

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Ross Burden became a MasterChef finalist in 1993 and rose to fame as a TV chef, working alongside Ainsley Harriot on Ready Steady Cook.

Our thoughts are with his family.