Kirstie Allsopp’s despair as ‘things got in the way’ of visiting Bill Granger before death

Kirstie Allsopp has paid a devastating tribute to the Australian chef, Bill Granger, who died peacefully on Christmas Day. The Channel 4 property expert said that she “knew Bill was ill” and had planned to pay a visit to her friend once Christmas was over.

Sharing her heartbreak over missing her final chance to see Bill, Location, Location, Location host Kirstie posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This is the great Bill Granger, who died aged just 54 on the 25 of December. I had the privilege of knowing Bill & all the words being said about him are absolutely true. Kind, generous, hugely talented & a devoted family man, his loss at such a young age is a huge blow.

“I want to add one thing, I knew Bill was ill & planned to go & see him, but things far less important got in the way & I stupidly thought “I’ll go after Christmas when things are more quiet”. Bill was Australian, but the UK was his home, we Brits have tendency to down play things, to think acknowledging illness or death is too dramatic.

“It’s both a strength & a terrible failing. If you’re in a similar position don’t make this mistake, time does run out. God Bless you Bill & your devoted Natalie and the girls.”

Bill was an Australian chef and founder of the Granger & Co restaurant chain. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, who posted a statement on social media confirming the sad news.

They stated: “A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife, Natalia Elliot, and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.”

It added that Bill would be remembered as the “King of Breakfast” and for “making unpretentious food into something special”. Many TV chefs, including Jamie Oliver and James Martin, paid their respects to Bill on social media.

Oliver wrote: “This is devastating news, im so sad to hear this, what a guy he was …. a wonderful human, kind calm soul….i admired everything he represented in food I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn’t have been nicer and his food so good …. Sending so much love to all his family. rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed jox x x.”

Nigella Lawson penned: “I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel. Deepest love to N, E, I and B,” whilst James Martin said: “So shocked The world has lost a special person a brilliant man and talent… my thoughts and prayers to his family … a wonderful man gone too soon …J xx.”

Granger was best known in Britain for helping drive an Australian take on brunch, including the iconic avocado on toast.

He was born in Melbourne and enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 years.

He launched his first restaurant, Bills, after dropping out of art school in 1993. He later founded Granger & Co, which has branches all across London. Bill is survived by his wife and their daughters.