Gordon Ramsay has admitted he is heartbroken following the death of Masterchef Junior star Ben Watkins.
The season six contestant passed away on Monday at the age of 14, following a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer.
Taking to Instagram following the news of Ben’s passing, celebrity chef Gordon paid tribute to the “incredibly talented” teen.
He wrote: “We lost a Master of the @masterchefjunior kitchen today. Ben you were an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man.”
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“Your young life had so many tough turns but you always persevered. I adored our time cooking and laughing together on set.
“Heartbroken today losing my little mate, sending all my love to Ben Watkins’ family with this terrible loss Gx”.
Ben was just 11-years-old when he appeared on the cooking competition and became a fan favourite, with his signature dish being listed as fried chicken with mashed potatoes.
The talented young chef tragically lost both of his parents back in 2017, with his grandmother and uncle releasing about Ben’s death in a statement on the#Love4Ben GoFundMe fundraising page.
“Our Ben went home to be with his mother Monday afternoon,” they wrote.
“We have marvelled at Ben’s strength, courage and love for life. He never ever complained. Ben was and always will be the strongest person we know.”
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