TV star was diagnosed with leukemia last year and had contracted infection
His sister says he was 'larger than life' and his death was unexpected
Burden rose to fame after he was a finalist on UK's Masterchef in 1993
He later made regular appearances on the show and Ready Steady Cook
Recently returned to New Zealand, where he was judge on Masterchef
Celebrity chef Ross Burden who rose to fame after appearing on MasterChef and Ready Steady Cook has died aged 45.
The TV cook, who became a household name in the UK after becoming a finalist on MasterChef in 1993, died on July 17 in his home nation following a battle with cancer.
The New Zealand-born popular chef was diagnosed with a form of leukemia in July last year and had contracted an infection after undergoing a bone marrow transplant recently.
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His sister Kirsten Hughes told the New Zealand Herald her brother's death was sudden and unexpected.
Mrs Hughes, who described her sibling as a 'larger than life' figure said Ross had just one paper left to complete his Masters degree in Maori studies at Auckland University.
'He's just a friendly, compassionate guy - nothing was too much trouble. He was my big, fantastic incredible, larger-than-life brother.
'Right up until probably a week-and-a-half ago, he was making his next lot of plans. He had the world map out,' Mrs Hughes said.
Fellow TV stars and celebrity chefs took to Twitter to pay tribute to Burden after his death was announced.
James Martin tweeted: 'Just heard the sad news my old Ready, Steady, Cook colleague Ross Burden has passed away. My thoughts go out to friends and family. RIP Ross'
Phil Vickery added: 'Very sad news my friend and fellow chef Ross Burden died today!
Aldo Zilli wrote: 'Remembering the good times on this very sad day for the Ross Burden family my thoughts are with you.'
The New Zealand-born popular chef was diagnosed with a form of leukemia in July last year and had contracted an infection after undergoing a bone marrow transplant recently.
Scroll down for video
His sister Kirsten Hughes told the New Zealand Herald her brother's death was sudden and unexpected.
Mrs Hughes, who described her sibling as a 'larger than life' figure said Ross had just one paper left to complete his Masters degree in Maori studies at Auckland University.
'He's just a friendly, compassionate guy - nothing was too much trouble. He was my big, fantastic incredible, larger-than-life brother.
'Right up until probably a week-and-a-half ago, he was making his next lot of plans. He had the world map out,' Mrs Hughes said.
Fellow TV stars and celebrity chefs took to Twitter to pay tribute to Burden after his death was announced.
James Martin tweeted: 'Just heard the sad news my old Ready, Steady, Cook colleague Ross Burden has passed away. My thoughts go out to friends and family. RIP Ross'
Phil Vickery added: 'Very sad news my friend and fellow chef Ross Burden died today!
Aldo Zilli wrote: 'Remembering the good times on this very sad day for the Ross Burden family my thoughts are with you.'
