Russell Norman, the renowned TV chef, author, and restaurateur, has passed away at the age of 57.
This news has been reported by several British media outlets, including The Guardian, Metro, and Daily Mail, and confirmed by his longtime friend and business partner, Richard Beatty.
In a statement quoted by the media, Beatty expressed his profound sorrow at the loss of his best friend, Russell Norman.
He mentioned that Norman passed away surrounded by family and friends after a brief battle in the hospital. The exact nature of his illness has not been disclosed.
Norman was a familiar face to British food enthusiasts, having founded the popular London restaurant chain Polpo, as well as several other restaurants under the same brand.
He was also known for his appearances on the BBC, hosting 'The Restaurant Man' and frequently guesting on 'Saturday Kitchen'. Additionally, he authored several award-winning cookbooks, with his fourth book, 'Brutto: A Simple Florentine Cookbook', being published just a few weeks before his death.
Richard Beatty shared that Russell Norman is survived by his wife and three children. He requested that the public respect the family's wish for privacy during this difficult time.
Watch Russell Norman share his 'secret' Venetian recipe for Bigoli Pasta in Salsa below.
