Chef Keith Floyd dies following heart attack

Floyd, who died at his partner's home yesterday, had been diagnosed with bowel cancer back in June. Renowned chef Marco Pierre White said he was an inspiration to the nation and described him as a "natural cook". "He was an individual, he was a maverick, he was mercurial, he was magical, he was special, he was rare." Floyd, who died at the age of 65, opened his first eatery at the age of 22. During his career he was an army officer, journalist, dishwasher, bartender, cook, and a restaurateur, with restaurants in France, Spain, Britain and currently Thailand. He wrote at least 25 books, presented about 20 television series, which are still being shown in over 40 countries worldwide and had recently toured the country with his award winning one man show 'Floyd Uncorked'. He lived in Provence near Avignon.