The Project’s Waleed Aly pays tribute to Jock Zonfrillo following his death
The Project’s Waleed Aly pays tribute to Jock Zonfrillo after his shocking death: ‘He was actually meant to be on our desk now’
The Project’s Waleed Aly has paid tribute to Jock Zonfrillo following his shocking death.
Waleed gave a touching tribute Monday night when he spoke of Jock as a “gentle soul” in a tough industry.
The anchor revealed that MasterChef Australia would not air this week, before further revealing that Jock was ‘booked’ to be on the show.
“In this industry it’s fair to say that not everyone is gentle, that’s not the personality that is often, I don’t know, an asset. But that’s what I felt [he was]Waleed said of the chief.
The host said he had some exchanges with Jock when he appeared on the show, and was always surprised by his gentle nature.
The Project’s Waleed Aly paid tribute to Jock Zonfrillo after his shocking death when he confirmed he was booked to appear on the show on Monday night. Pictured: Waleed with co-host Sarah Harris on the show
“There was a time when he was sitting here in this chair, and it really struck me, there was just something about him,” continued Waleed.
“Vulnerable is the right word, but it’s something deeper than that and he’s a man who’s been through a lot.”
At the end of the show, Waleed again praised the chef and TV personality before confirming that he was meant to be on the show.
“The thing is, Jock was actually supposed to be on our desk right now. In this part of the show. It was fully booked and ready to go,” he added.
“In this industry it’s fair to say that not everyone is gentle, that’s not the personality that is often, I don’t know, an advantage. But that’s what I thought,” Waleed said
“The thing is, Jock was actually supposed to be on our desk right now. In this part of the show. It was fully booked and ready to go,” he added. The Project rolled a montage of Jock. pictured
“It is extraordinary that we are in this situation. The magnitude of the loss is difficult to express. So before we go. A final look at the life of an incredible colleague and buddy.’
The Project then rolled out a montage of Jock’s moments on the show before wrapping up the show with a final tribute.
“Due to the sudden and sad passing of Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef will not air this week. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Zonfrillo died in Melbourne at the age of 46, his family has confirmed.
A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia they found Zonfrillo’s body at about 2am Monday, after being called to an address on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check.
Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla, with Fried. (Zonfrillo with Fried and their two children can be seen here in a recent family photo)