'˜Giant among journalists' Gill dies at 62

Best known for his work in The Sunday Times, he was both feared and adored by those in the hospitality industry.

He revealed his illness in an interview three weeks ago, saying he had the “full English” of cancers.

The father-of-four died on Saturday morning, with his final column appearing in the newspaper yesterday.

Announcing the death in a memo to staff, editor Martin Ivens said: “It is with profound sadness that I must tell you that our much-loved colleague Adrian Gill died this morning.

“Adrian was stoical about his illness, but the suddenness of his death has shocked us all.

“Characteristically he has had the last word, writing an outstanding article about coming to terms with his cancer in tomorrow’s Sunday Times Magazine.

“He was the heart and soul of the paper. His wit was incomparable, his writing was dazzling and fearless, his intelligence was matched by compassion.

“Adrian was a giant among journalists. He was also our friend. We will miss him.”

During the interview last month, Gill said his diagnosis was prompted by concerns from family members about his rapid weight loss – but resulted in his proposal to long-term partner Nicola Formby, referred to in restaurant columns as “The Blonde”.

He leaves nine-year-old twins, Isaac (also known as Beetle) and Edith, with Ms Formby, and two grown-up children - Flora and Alasdair - from his marriage to Amber Rudd, now the Home Secretary. He had also previously been married to the writer Cressida Connolly.