MasterChef judge and TV icon Gregg Wallace has announced the tragic death of someone in his family.

The 59-year-old took to the social media platform Instagram on Tuesday night to share that his father-in-law had sadly passed away at the age of 66.

In a post featuring a picture of his parents-in-law raising a glass of wine, he said: "Farewell Massimo Sterpini 1957 – 2023 my much loved father in law."

Gregg Wallace fans rush to MasterChef judge's side after death of his father-in-law

Fans of Gregg Wallace and the BBC show MasterChef rushed to the Star's side after learning of the news with one user saying: "My thoughts are with your wife and mother-in-law and you and all the family and friends at a very sad and heartbreaking time May he rest in paradise and shine bright in your hearts always."

Another added: "We are so sorry to hear such sad news. Such a wonderful man who I know you will miss immeasurably - Love to you all x."

A third user said: "Rest peacefully Massimo. I will miss watching you create your beautiful garden," while another said: "I am very sorry to hear that, Gregg. Thinking of you & Anna and the family."

Massimo is the father of Gregg Wallace's fourth wife Anne Marie with the star previously marrying Christine in what was described by the star as the "shortest marriage in the world".

After going their separate ways after just six weeks of marriage in 1991, he married Denise - mum to his children Tom and Libby - in 1999.

In 2010, he married biology teacher Heidi Brown after meeting her on Twitter but the pair soon split after only 15 months of marriage.

Gregg Wallace and Ann Marie - who is 21 years younger than the chef - married in 2016 before welcoming their son in 2019.