Jamie Oliver leads celebrity tributes to Australian chef Bill Granger

One of the biggest names in food has led heartfelt tributes to Australian chef Bill Granger.

Star chef Jamie Oliver has issued a heartfelt post over the death of Australian chef and restaurateur Bill Granger, who died on Christmas Day.

Granger’s family confirmed on Wednesday morning that the cookbook author died peacefully at a London hospital on Christmas Day alongside his wife, Natalie Elliott, and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny.

“This is such sad news … I loved Bill Granger so much he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia,” Oliver shared in an Instagram post.

“Bless you Bill, so much love!

“What a guy, so much love to his family and friends.”

Jamie Oliver shared a heartfelt post after celebrity chef Bill Granger’s death.

Oliver was one of the many chefs and celebrities who paid tribute to Granger.

Renowned cookbook author Nigella Lawson said she was “heartbroken”.

“I find it impossible to find the right words, but then, there are no right words when what’s happened is so wrong,” she shared in an Instagram post.

“He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us – whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us or in person – came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self.

“So devastated for his family. It’s too cruel. May his memory be a blessing.”

Australian actor Hugh Jackman and his estranged wife Deborah Furness said they were “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,” he said.

“We will miss his friendship most of all.

“Our love goes out to Natalie and their three incredible daughters Edie, Ines and Bunny. Rest in peace.”

Granger died surrounded by family on Christmas Day. Picture: Patrick Riviere/ Getty Images

Throughout his career, Granger published 14 cookbooks, and launched 19 restaurants across the world. In January this year, he was also given a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the tourism and hospitality sector.

At the time he shared a photo from his time working at an “old corner pub” in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst in 1993.

“I am so humbled to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia, it’s such an honour,” he shared in an Instagram post.

“Hospitality is not always the easiest business, but I can’t think of many other jobs where the job is just to bring a bit of happiness and sunshine into people’s lives, and for that, and of course the award, I am hugely grateful.”

He also thanked his “hardworking, talented and creative team” at his restaurants across Sydney, Japan, Korea and London, his loyal customers, and family.

“My family Natalie, Edie, Ines and Bunny love and support me and make this crazy ride of life so much fun, and keep me solid,” he wrote.

“I must also acknowledge and thank the Bidjigal and Gadigal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our Sydney restaurants stand, and where we gather, work, play and love every day.”