Jock Zonfrillo death: MasterChef judge revealed one ‘simple’ wish in final interview 

MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo spoke in one of his latest media interviews about his aspirations to step out of the limelight and live a “super, super simple life.”

Tributes continue to pour in following the sudden death of the celebrity chef, 46, who was found dead in his Melbourne hotel room on Monday morning after police arrived to conduct a welfare check.

News of his shocking passing broke hours before the 15th season of MasterChef Australia was set to premiere Monday night on Network 10, which has since been postponed.

Alongside fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Lee, Zonfrillo took part in an extensive interview with NewsCorpwhich was published on Sunday, hours before his death.

The father of four discussed the pasta recipe book he was writing and how much he longed for a “super, super simple life” with his family.

‘A small house in the middle of nowhere with children, pets. Just a very simple, uncomplicated life away from everyone. But still part of a community in that remote location, I think,” Zonfrillo told the media.

“But not the flashy extravagant lifestyle you’d expect from a TV person.”

When asked if he had a superpower, he said it was his ability to stay calm and not panic in stressful situations.

“I’m pretty good at any sort of stressful situation — if it’s someone with blood gushing all over their clothes, I don’t panic,” he said.

‘It’s probably also the reason why I can operate on very little sleep. Sleeping soundly for about four hours a night is the norm for me.’

Zonfrillo revealed that he always had an inkling when a surprise was in store and how much he hated getting them.

“I kind of pick up on the vibe and it makes me f**king paranoid. And then I get a feeling of fear. And then when the surprise comes, I love it,” he said.

“I’d much rather do surprises for other people than receive one.”

Zonfrillo talked about living a simple, uncomplicated life away from the public eye. He is pictured with his wife Lauren and their children Alfie and Isla. He also had two adult daughters

Readers also learned that cacio e pepe, a pasta dish made with cheese and black pepper, was Zonfrillo’s favorite dish and described Faroe Bank Cod, a Faroe Islands delicacy, as the best piece of fish he’s had in his life.

He praised The Cook and the Chef star Simon Bryant as his favorite chef.

“He’s just one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever spoken to in the food world, and knowing that he’s incredible as a person, I couldn’t ask for a better friend,” said Zonfrillo.

The Scottish-born personality was scheduled to appear on The Project on Monday night to be interviewed about the premiere of MasterChef Australia, the program he participated in alongside Leong and Allen in 2019.

No cause of death has been disclosed.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said that while a report would be prepared for the coroner, it was not being treated as suspicious.

The Scottish-born celebrity chef (pictured) was found dead in his hotel room on Monday

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife Lauren and four children Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.

“With hearts completely shattered and with no way of knowing how to go through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” a family statement read.

“There are so many words to describe him, so many stories to be told, but right now we are too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his partner or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scotsman in your heart when you have your next whisky.

“We beg you to please let us grieve in private as we find a way to navigate this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.”

Jock Zonfrillo (left with his MasterChef Australia co-stars) talked about his plans to live in ‘a small house in the middle of nowhere with kids, pets’