Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson have led tributes to “wonderful human” Australian chef Bill Granger, who has died at the age of 54.

According to a statement from his family, the restaurateur, chef and food writer “died peacefully in hospital” in London on Christmas Day with his family by his bedside.

Lawson, 63, said she was “heartbroken” in a post on Instagram, while 48-year-old Oliver described the news as “heartbreaking”.

“This is devastating news, I’m so sad to hear this, what a guy he was… a wonderful human, kind calm soul,” TV chef Oliver said.

“I admired everything he represented in food, I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn’t have been nicer and his food so good.”

He added he is sending “so much love to all his family” for Granger, who he said will be “sorely missed”.

Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan described Granger as a “ray of Aussie sunshine” and a “wonderful man”.

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On Tuesday, Granger’s family said in a statement: “A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.

“Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years.”

They added: “He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given.”

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