The internet has been flooded with tributes this morning for celebrity chef Darren Simpson, who passed away yesterday. The Irish-born chef made a name for himself in Australia thanks to regular appearances on television, including the likes of Ready Steady Cook, The Best in Australia, My Restaurant Rules and Sunrise.

Reports indicate that Darren died in a Brisbane hospital yesterday afternoon from a suspected heart attack after a long-term battle with alcohol addiction. He is survived by sons Hamish, 12, and Angus, 14, and wife Julie.

Darren was a long term member of the Australian food scene – his cooking career began in London, but it was his move to Australia that saw him take to the small screen, as well as open his own restaurant La Sala in Woollahra in 2005. More recently he had been working across Queensland, including at The Avenue on the Gold Coast and at BV Pizzeria and Wine Bar on the Sunshine Coast.

Former Ready Steady Cook host Peter Everett led the tributes for the chef,  calling Darren “a larrikin, a kind-hearted man.” 

“We shared some fun and funny times on Ready Steady Cook, be proud of all you achieved in this life,” he said.