JAMIE Oliver has paid tribute to Purley chef Kevin Boyle, saying he 'represented all that was good' in his Fifteen ventures and in people.

A body was found in Coulsdon on Sunday which was yesterday (Thursday) confirmed to be 26-year-old Kevin.

His sister Naomi Anderson and friend Peter Fosdike have paid tribute to Kevin, describing him as a kind-hearted, intelligent and compassionate man, who was immensely talented yet humble.

Jamie Oliver and Kevin Boyle first met in the spring of 2002, when a teenaged Kevin made it to the final 30 of the first-ever Fifteen venture, a social enterprise aimed at teaching young people to run a restaurant.

Kevin, who had wanted to be chef since he was very young, so impressed Jamie with his skill and dedication that he was selected to work alongside him in the televised final series.

On Kevin's Facebook page the TV chef posted a picture of them together and wrote: "Rest in peace dear Kevin [...] words can't express how sad I am that you have left us.

"To me [...] you were a true star! So sweet, kind, thoughtful, a real team player, talented, and so generous with your time and kindness.

"It's easy to say those things now, but for ten years you have represented all that is good in Fifteen and people.

"Thank you so much for everything! You'll be so missed bro. You won't be forgotten.

"Bless you, love jamieoxxx."

In an official statement he added: "I last saw him in September 2011 at the graduation ceremony for the ninth group of apprentices and he was on good form, which makes this news even harder to take.

"My thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time."

Kevin worked at central London restaurants Le Caprice, St John and Smiths of Smithfield, and had prepared food for customers including Prince Charles and Tony Blair.

He had been working at Vinoteca in Farringdon before his disappearance in October last year.