Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver are among those who have paid  tribute to Australian chef Bill Granger, after his death at the age of 54.

The restaurateur, chef and food writer “died peacefully in hospital” in London on Christmas Day, according to a statement from his family on social media.

In the comments on the Instagram post, Lawson, 63, said she was “heartbroken” while Oliver, 48, said the news was “heart-breaking”.

The statement on Tuesday said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54.

“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.”

It 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.”

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

“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…

“Sending so much love to all his family, rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed.”

Royal Visit to Australia – preparations
Australian chef and restaurateur Bill Granger  with royal pastry chef Kathryn Boyden and other royal chefs in the kitchens at Buckingham Palace as they make pavlova ahead of the reception to be given in advance of the Royal Visit to Australia (Lewis Whyld/PA)

Food writer and TV cook Lawson said: “I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel.”

Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan said: “Devastating… Wonderful father and husband. Wonderful man!! Ray of Aussie sunshine.”

TV chef James Martin added: “So shocked. The world has lost a special person a brilliant man and talent… my thoughts and prayers to his family … a wonderful man gone too soon.”

Granger was known for presenting on a number of cooking shows and appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia.

The Melbourne-born cook opened his first restaurant, bills, in Sydney suburb Darlinghurst in 1993 and his first London location, Granger & Co, in Notting Hill in 2011.

Also in 2011, ahead of a royal visit to Australia, Granger taught the royal household chefs at Buckingham Palace how to make pavlova and lamingtons.

Granger, who had a professional partnership with his wife Natalie Elliott, had restaurants outside Australia and the UK, in Seoul and Tokyo and also authored a number of cook books.