MasterChef star Greg Malouf dies as co-star delivers heartbreaking news to fans

Beloved Australian celebrity chef and MasterChef star Greg Malouf has died at the age of 64.

The news comes several years after Greg received a donor heart transplant.

The popular TV star was known as 'Australia's godfather of Middle Eastern cuisine' thanks to his passion for Arabic dishes. He was a familiar face to Aussie fans, making frequent appearances on reality TV shows including MasterChef Australia and Food Safari. He was also a Michelin-star rated chef who ran one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants that was often frequented by A-list stars.

Former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris, 45, confirmed the heartbreaking news of Greg's passing on Instagram on Saturday.

Alongside a smiling picture of Greg in his chef's outfit, George penned: "Along with so many, today is a sad day for us all. We lost a giant of a human. A beautiful man. Yes, an amazing chef. I send love to his family.

"I will miss the banter of all things Greek vs Lebanese food. RIP great man. See you on the other side. GC xxx"

Many of Greg's fellow TV chefs paid tribute in the comments. "One of the giants," wrote fellow celebrity chef Miguel Maestre.

Matt Moran, star of The Great Australian Bake Off star replied with a crying face emoji.

Greg is survived by his ex-wife and fellow culinary expert Lucy Malouf.

He last posted to Instagram on the 6 September, where he shared with fans some recipes from a recent trip to Turkey.

Greg became the second person in Australia's Victoria to receive a second heart transplant in a five hour operation - 14 years after he first went under the knife.

A retransplant was required because the first donor heart had failed due to chronic rejection.