Chris Wheeler, a renowned chef celebrated for his appearances on the “Great British Menu,” has passed away, prompting heartfelt tributes from fellow chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who described him as an “extraordinary” individual.
Chris, known for his unique feat of running the London Marathon while flipping a pancake, also graced television screens on popular shows such as ITV’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and Channel 4’s “Saturday Kitchen.”
Wheeler’s culinary journey began in France, where he honed his skills at the Domaine De Bassible Hotel and a Michelin-starred establishment in Ségos.
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli spotted Chris’s talent early on and welcomed him into his team while Chris was just a teenager, setting the stage for a successful career.
In a heartfelt social media tribute, Jean-Christophe expressed his sorrow over the loss of his former colleague and friend.
He shared, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I say goodbye to my dear friend, Chris Wheeler.”
‘His loss is a devastating blow to the industry and to humanity.
‘Chris was an extraordinary chef, but even more extraordinary as a man – warm, generous, steady, and endlessly kind.
Chris, who was born in Swanage, Dorset, went on to become the youngest Sous Chef in a Michelin starred restaurant
Jean-Christophe paid tribute to his former colleague in a touching post on social media
‘I invited Chris to come and work for me when he was a 16-year-old college student.
‘For more than 30 years he was more than a friend to me – he was my rock.
‘I was always so proud to see him enjoy the success he deserved and I will miss him forever.’
Chris, who was born in Swanage, Dorset, went on to become the youngest Sous Chef in a Michelin starred restaurant.
Talking about his work, he told The Caterer in 2010: ‘Every Monday we’d have the likes of Raymond, Marco – my heroes! – coming down to see us.
‘I still have the photos. Getting the first Michelin star was a huge high.
‘We were so excited we jumped in the river – it was January so it was quite cold!’
In 2006, Chris ran the London Marathon while dressed as a chef, flipping a pancake for the entire race.
He finished the 26-mile run in six hours and 50 minutes.
Chris later featured in Tatler’s Restaurant Guide in both 2013 and 2014 and was awarded Chef of the Year in the 2016 Berkshire Life Food and Drinks Awards.
The same year, Chris represented the South West on BBC 2 programme Great British Menu.
Then in January 2025, he joined The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, west London.
Chris Pow, the former executive chef at The Capital Hotel Knightsbridge, also paid tribute to Chris.
He posted on Instagram: ‘Still trying to get head around the news about Chef Chris Wheeler — The Ginger Chef.
‘We crossed paths in London kitchens and again at Boodles Week, and those memories feel even more precious today.
‘I can’t find a single photo from back in the day, but I’ll always treasure the book he sent me…
‘…a small reminder of the kindness and generosity he carried with him.
‘My thoughts are with his wife and his two daughters at this heartbreaking time.
‘Rest easy, Chef. Your spirit, your laugh, and your love for the craft will be remembered by so many.’
Chris’s cause of death is currently unknown.
