Jamie Oliver issues appeal to find missing chef Kevin Boyle

23-Oct-2011 - Last updated on 24-Oct-2011 at 11:32 GMT

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Kevin Boyle is described as being 5ft 6ins tall with a stocky build and receding fair hair

Jamie Oliver has issued a national appeal to the public for help in finding one of his former chefs, Kevin Boyle, who went missing 12 days ago.

Boyle, 26, featured on Jamie Oliver's TV programme Fifteen in 2002 where he made it to the final 30 of 1,500 people. He has also cooked for former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles at Clarence House.

In a statement, Oliver said: “His family and his many friends are worried about him and simply want to hear that he’s fine and coming home.”

Boyle was last seen in his hometown of Purley, South London at 17:30 on 12 October. He is described as being 5ft 6ins tall with a stocky build and receding fair hair. He remains friends with former mentor Oliver. He is also a strong Christian and supports Crystal Palace football club.

Twitter campaign

Fellow chef Delia Smith, TV presenter Sue Perkins, magician Chris Cox, the Salvation Army and Crystal Palace football club have all joined a Twitter campaign to help “Find Kevin’.

According to a website set up to highlight his disappearance, Boyle is ‘a very lovable and humorous character’. It goes on to state that he has a ‘history of depression’ and that he is a ‘very gifted incividual with a bright future ahead of him.

His career has also involved spending time at elite restaurants in the city, including Le Caprice, St John and Smiths of Smithfield.

In May, Boyle started a campaign to find a financial backer for a restaurant he wanted to set up in Purley. His aim was to give something back by opening a place where every member of the community felt welcome.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the metropolitan police on 020 8649 0258 or visit the website www.findkevin.co.uk/