MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen has shared a heartbreaking video of his toddler son Alfie bonding with the late Jock Zonfrillo.
The Scottish-Australian chef was found dead by police at around 2am on Monday at a hotel on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne, aged 46.
As a tribute to his fellow co-star, Andy posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram page, along with several photos and videos of the late chef.
A heartbreaking video shows Jock bonding with Andy’s toddler son as he helps him put on a tiny chef’s apron.
Jock wraps the green apron around little Alfie, with the text ‘Three blue ducks chef’ written on it.
MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen has shared a heartbreaking video of his toddler son Alfie bonding with the late Jock Zonfrillo (pictured)
The deceased chef is heard to say to the toddler, “You’re one of the ducks now.”
The Three Blue Ducks is the restaurant that Andy co-owns, and it was also a cooking show broadcast on Channel 10 starring him.
Andy also shared some photos of himself and Jock smiling as he paid tribute to his friend.
He captioned the carousel of photos: “When I met you 5 years ago, I knew our lives were about to change forever. What I didn’t realize is how close Alex is [Allen’s wife] and I would stand outside the kitchen with you, Lauren [Zonfrillo’s wife] and your children,” Allen began his message.
He then went on to praise Zonfrillo for being such an inspirational force, both as a culinary maestro and as a friend.
Sure, you taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I learned about what it means to be a great father, husband, and friend that I’ll take from our time together and will stay with me forever. ‘ he continued. .
Heartbreaking video shows Jock bonding with Andy’s toddler son as he helps him put on a tiny chef’s apron
Jock wraps the green apron around little Alfie, which reads ‘Three blue ducks chef’
Allen, who won MasterChef in 2012 before hosting the 2019 show alongside Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, said how much he will miss his partner and their time together on set.
“I will miss the way you guided me and every contestant who walked into the MasterChef kitchen, I will miss you ordering the entire menu no matter how many dishes are deep and letting me eat every last bite,” he wrote.
“I will miss your morning coffee that made me tremble with the amount of caffeine you could get from each individual bean, I will miss the morning FaceTimes with Loz, Alfie and Isla [Zonfrillo’s wife and children]but overall i will miss you taking care of me every day.
“Thank you for constantly making me laugh and for being there when I cried. You truly were the complete package companion and life will never be the same without you. I know you look down on Loz, Ava, Sophia, Alfie & Isla. Give it up for Jock Zonfrillo,’ he concluded.
Police found Zonfrillo’s body around 2am on Monday after being called to a hotel on Lygon Street in Melbourne’s Carlton for a welfare check.
Andy also shared some photos of himself and Jock smiling as he paid tribute to his friend
Allen, who won MasterChef in 2012 before co-hosting the 2019 show with Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong, said how much he will miss his partner and their time together on set
No cause of death has been released, but police say his death is not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
His death came as the 15th season of MasterChef, starring Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was set to premiere Monday night on Channel Ten, but has since been postponed out of respect for Zonfrillo’s family.
Allen’s post on Tuesday marks his first public statement since Zonfrillo’s death.
He was scheduled to appear on KIIS FM’s Kyle And Jackie O Show on Monday to promote the upcoming premiere of MasterChef Australia, but pulled out due to the tragedy.
Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: teenage daughters Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and six-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Isla, with Fried.
“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,” his family said in a statement Monday.
Allen’s post on Tuesday marks his first public statement since Zonfrillo’s death
“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 mate 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.”
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Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried (pictured), and his four children