A celebrity chef who was known for fronting TV cooking programmes with a pan in one hand and a glass of red wine had his last meal in west Dorset.
In September 2009 Keith Floyd enjoyed his last meal at Hix's in Lyme Regis and died aged 65 at his partner's home in Bridport following a heart attack.
The iconic star, who had been battling bowel cancer, wrote numerous books and presented a string of television series, many of which are still being shown around the world.
He became a household name in the 1980s, years before today’s celebrity chefs appeared on our screens.
Keith was taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester by paramedics who were called to his partner's home, but they couldn't resuscitate him.
Earlier that day he had enjoyed lunch at fellow celebrity chef Mark Hix's Fish House in Lyme Regis for his partner Celia Martin's birthday treat.
They were also celebrating Keith receiving good news from his cancer specialist after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in the summer. He had undergone five operations in Spain.
Celia said: "Keith was in great form, feeling marvellous, saying: ‘I haven’t felt this well for ages’.”
After the meal, Keith had a siesta but woke up with a headache. They had been planning to watch the show Keith meets Keith on Channel 4 but he fell asleep watching University Challenge, Celia added.
Keith, who was born in Reading and educated at Wellington School in Somerset, had been enjoying life in west Dorset, Celia said. She spoke of her regret that they never married.
"His work was just beginning to return and he was feeling much stronger and since he’d been in Bridport he felt so much better and was going out everyday."
Keith Floyd at the West Bay RNLI Fun Day
After a stint as a trainee reporter on the Bristol Evening Post, Keith embarked on a career in the army – joining the Royal Tank Regiment as an officer after watching the film Zulu.
Keith jokes around at the West Bay RNLI Fun Day
Following three years service, where he would reportedly pester the mess cook to produce gourmet dinners, he worked as a barman and dishwasher in Bristol.
He would eventually go on to own a number of restaurants in France, Spain, Britain and Thailand.
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