Gordon Ramsay has revealed that he is "lucky to be alive" after a bike accident in Connecticut left him as battered and bruised as a "purple potato".
The 57-year-old chef-turned-TV star was seen visibly shaking as he shared his harrowing account of events with his tens of millions of followers - and he used the opportunity to tell viewers about the importance of road safety.
In his reveal, he posted 'before and after' photos of himself clad in lycra and ready to get out on his bike, and his damaged cycling gear and helmet in the aftermath of his crash.
Ramsay, a father-of-six, said: "You know how much I love cycling, triathlons and Iron Man, etc.
"This week, unfortunately, I had a really bad accident - and it really shook me - honestly, I'm lucky to be here now."
The kitchen extraordinaire continued: "From those incredible trauma surgeons, doctors, nurses in the hospital who looked after me this week, they were amazing - but honestly, you've got to wear a helmet.
"I don't care how short the journey is, I don't care about the fact that these helmets cost money, they're crucial.
"Even with the kids - any short journey - they've got to wear a helmet!"
But as the Hell's Kitchen star doubled down on being "lucky to be standing here", he revealed the shocking injuries he sustained in his cycle crash - an enormous dark purple bruise across his left side.
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He continued: "I'm in pain, it's been a brutal week... I'm sort of getting through it.
"This weekend is massive, it's Father's Day. I want to wish you all a very happy Father's Day, but please please please wear a helmet. Because if I didn't, honestly, I wouldn't be here now."
Captioning the video, Ramsay wrote: "This week I had a really bad accident while riding my bike in Connecticut.
"I'm doing ok and did not break any bones or suffer any major injuries but I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato.
"I'm thankful for all the doctors, nurses and staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London who looked after me and checked me out, but most thankful for my helmet that saved my life... Have a great Father's Day and be safe."
And his millions of followers rushed to his side, with thousands of commenters leaving messages in support.
One wrote: "You can see and hear in your voice how serious it was. I really hope you are taking time to recover, that looks incredibly painful."
Another said: "Great advice. I live in a state where helmets are 'optional'... It would be best to wear a good helmet at all times when on any moving bike/motorbike."
One more wrote: "Glad you're ok, chef. Happy Father's Day to a real one."
