The sad death of Keith Floyd and the subsequent televised career highlights last week brought home to many just how different and original he was as a TV Chef. He frankly makes many of todays TVchefs look rather meek and dull.
Floyd's often chaotic and amateur approach to TV presenting is what truly endeared him to many. His on screen drinking and passionate defence about the finer things in life as well as his critical stance on modern day eating habits and culinary indifference for many made cooking cool and accessible.
Part of his success was speaking in plain English and conveying the simple enjoyment of food and drink.
Modern day celebrity chefs have been paying homage to the original TV chef. Marco Pierre White said: “He had this great ability at the stove, great confidence. He was a natural cook.” Jamie Oliver went as far as to say: “Keith was not just one of the best, he was the best television chef. An incredible man who lived life to the full and and was an inspiration to me.”
In perhaps true Floyd style he is refuted to of died peacfully after a champagne and fish supper.
Keith Floyds TV programmes were truly ground-breaking in their day. The format saw an often tipsy Floyd in odd locations, often performing amazing feats of outside catering. Often with no assisting mobile caterers it went wrong and with an instant quip and a glug of wine the food would often go in the bin.
Aside from his cookery programmes Floyd also wrote over 20 books and they are what brought wealth to the presenter. By coincidence his biography is due to be published next year and subsequently his passing will help ensure his book sales mean his estate grows even richer.
Despite success as an author and presenter Floy’d personal life was as chaotic as his presenting style. A lack of business sense was a key flaw and after the popular BBC shows he starred in finished he reputedly went bankrupt after accepting a cheque for nearly £40,000 bounced. He had 3 failed marriages and has a 4th wife.
