Exclusive | Anne Burrells Worst Cooks in America co-host Beau MacMillan reacts to her death: Gut punch

Anne Burrell left an impact on many of her former colleagues before her shocking death at the age of 55.Beau MacMillan, who starred alongside Burrell on the first season of “Worst Cooks in America” in 2010, opened up about the fellow Food Network star in an exclusive statement to The Post.“The news hit me like a gut punch,” MacMillan, 54, said on Wednesday, one day after Burrell’s death.“Anne was bigger than life, whether she was running a kitchen or filming a show, you knew she was in charge.”“One of the most beloved icons of our industry, she inspired millions of people,” he continued to the Post.

“She was smart, talented and so much fun to be around.She has left us way too soon.”Besides the first season of “Worst Cooks in America,” MacMillan also appeared alongside Burrell and eight other contestants on Season 4 of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef.”Although neither chef won the season, Burrell was named the fourth runner-up in the culinary competition.

MacMillan was eliminated at the end of the fourth episode.MacMillan previously paid tribute to his former co-host in a touching post shared on Instagram shortly after the news of Burrell’s sudden passing.“Some of the most fun and best memories are with you ,, from the days before worst cooks ,,, to all the years after ,,, how honored I was to be your friend!” he wrote alongside a picture of the pair from “Worst Cooks in America” 15 years ago.“God speed Anne.”Burrell’s loved ones announced her death in a statement on Tuesday.“Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend – her smile lit up every room she entered,” they said.

“Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world,” her family added.“Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”The New York City Police Department later revealed that Burrell was found “unconscious and unresponsive”...