Star of BBC's MasterChef Tony Rodd has been left devastated after sharing he has been forced to close down his restaurant.

The chef reached the finals of the BBC show in 2015 and three years later in 2018 opened the restaurant Copper & Ink in southwest London.

However, Rodd stated on January 2 confirming that the restaurant would be closed for good with "immediate effect".

MasterChef star forced to close down restaurant 

Taking to X, formally Twitter, the MasterChef star shared the statement on behalf of himself, his wife Becky Rodd and the Copper & Ink family, writing: 

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the immediate closure of Copper & Ink.

"We have agonised over making this decision and spent much of the Christmas break trying desperately to find a way to save the restaurant, but to no avail."

Rodd added that the decision to close comes following "continued financial difficulties caused by COVID, increased energy costs, the cost of living crisis and price increases from all our suppliers that we have had to bear the brunt of for the last three years."

The MasterChef went on to thank supporters of the business, sharing: "We have had a wonderful five years, and we want to thank each of every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for the warmth, love & support you have bestowed upon us during this time."

Followers and fans of the MasterChef's business shared their support for Rodd as one wrote: "Noooo! Tony I’m so sorry. I know you’ll bounce back. All the best to you."

Whilst another added: "So sad to read this. This climate is becoming impossible to run a hospitality business. It feels tough right now, but no doubt you’ll come back stronger."

The chef later took to X alongside his wife, Becky to post a video thanking everyone for their "kind words", adding: "We're heartbroken. We're sorry to anyone we have let down.