Chef Simon Rimmer was replaced on the Sunday Brunch TV show today after a family tragedy. Miquita Oliver filled in for Simon in the latest show as the presenter takes time off following the death of his father Peter.
Introducing Miquita to the show, his co-host Tim Lovejoy said: “As you know Simon has stepped away from the show this week. We are sending him our love.”
The celebrity chef took to social media on Friday afternoon to announce the heartbreaking news of his dad’s death as he called the 89-year-old a hero. Sharing a photo of them smiling side by side together, Simon wrote: “It’s with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my hero, my dad Peter."
Simon's father was diagnosed with cancer when he was a child. In a previous interview, Simon said: "As I look back to my childhood, I remember being nine years old and my dad being diagnosed with cancer and was told he had very little chance of survival.”
He added: “I remember him using that (his strength) when he was fighting his illness.
“He had the power of positivity and mental agility and that always stuck with me.’
People flooded Simon with well-wishes following his heartbreaking announcement on Friday including Good Morning Britain newsreader Charlotte Hawkins. She said: "Oh Simon I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending love & a huge hug to you."
I’m A Celeb star Vicky Pattison also shared her condolences writing: "So sorry for your loss Simon... sending you and your family loads of love x"
It wasn’t just Simon who was absent from the show due to a family matter as their guest chef, Georgina Hayden, had to also step down.
