Chefs and former colleagues have paid tribute to Keith Floyd following his death from a heart attack.
News that the ground-breaking broadcaster had died sparked an outpouring of affection from figures in the food and TV industries.
Floyd, who revealed in July he was battling bowel cancer, died at his partner's home in Dorset on Monday night.
The 65-year-old's booze-fuelled television shows made him a household name and he wrote more than 20 books.
His latest autobiography, Stirred But Not Shaken, in which he describes his battles with the bottle, is due to be published next month.
Co-author James Steen said: "Writing the book was amazing, it was like a dream come true. He was a very generous man, he was very kind and extremely sharp and witty. He knew how to eat well and he was able to convey that. He was a genius at what he did."
A string of fellow chefs paid tribute to the flamboyant cook. Antony Worrall Thompson said: "I think all of us modern TV chefs owe a living to him. He kind of spawned us all. He turned cookery shows into entertainment. He lived life to the full and didn't care what people thought about him. He was a good British gent with a very posh accent but he crossed all parts of society."
Channel 4 star Jamie Oliver said: "Keith was not just one of the best, he was the best television chef. An incredible man who lived life to the full and an inspiration to me and to so many others."
Gordon Ramsay said: "Keith Floyd was a true original. A natural performer and a superb cook. He broke new ground with his programmes and his contribution to television cookery was immense."
Nigel Slater said: "Keith Floyd was responsible for helping to break down many of the barriers of cooking. His freeform, somewhat casual style at the stove made cooking look easy, and encouraged people to have a go. His programmes were a joy to watch."
