Angela Bishop reveals Jock Zonfrillo’s MasterChef co-stars are ‘broken’ by his sudden death

The shocked death of Jock Zonfrillo at the age of 46 was announced Monday by his heartbroken family.

And now it’s been revealed that his MasterChef co-stars Melissa Leong and Andy Allen are left “devastated” and “broken” by his passing.

Appearing Monday on The Project, where Jock was set to appear before his death, Angela Bishop said she heard his co-stars were struggling to process the news.

Zonfrillo’s other colleagues at MasterChef seemed unaware that he had passed away earlier this morning, as the publicity machine for the new season wasn’t up until 11:30 a.m. Monday, when Leong posted a countdown to the premiere on her Instagram account.

His death comes as the fifteenth season of MasterChef, starring Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was set to premiere Monday night on Ten. The show will not air this week due to Zonfrillo’s passing.

Leong, 41, also did an interview with Hit WA Breakfast at about 8am on Monday, in which she spoke about the couple’s close friendship.

Her radio appearance was to promote the new season of MasterChef.

“It’s a loss of the relative here at ten… only 46, which is why this is such shocking news,” Angela began.

“As you say, they would work together 16 hours a day for MasterChef. You couldn’t find closer colleagues and confidants.”

She added: “They are devastated, broken is the word that has been described to me, they are trying to process this news.”

“It’s a loss of the family member here in ten… only 46, which is why this is such shocking news,” Angela said of the project

She added: ‘They are devastated, broken is the word that was described to me, they are trying to process this news’

British chef Jamie Oliver, 47, who is starring this year on the upcoming season of the hit show MasterChef, said he was “utterly shocked” by the news.

“I am in utter shock to wake up to the sudden death of Chef Jock Zonfrillo. We’ve had the best time working together for this year’s MasterChef, I can’t say how good it was working with him!’ Jamie’s started in an Instagram post below a photo of the couple together.

‘Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit on the show and for that I was very grateful… Melisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have their own unique outlook and style… Jock will be missed so much…’

He added: ‘I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heartfelt love and condolences to all his family, friends and his second family, the masterchef team and contestants xxx. I love Jamie.’

British chef Jamie Oliver, 47, who is starring this year on the upcoming season of the hit show MasterChef, said he was ‘totally shocked’ by the news

Jock’s family statement was released on Instagram on Monday and a number of celebrities expressed their condolences below.

A report will be prepared for the coroner after Zonfrillo’s body was found at about 2 a.m. Monday.

“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.

“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.”

Jock’s shock death was announced on Monday in a family statement on Instagram and below it, a number of celebrities expressed their condolences

They continued, “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.”

The Scottish-Australian chef and restaurateur co-hosted popular cooking show Channel 10 with Andy Allen and Melissa Leong in 2019.

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, who began his career working for Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White in the UK, famously overcame a heroin addiction during his teenage years in Glasgow before becoming one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs.

He once said he owed his life to food, telling an interviewer, “It saved my life. Many of my friends from my early days are now dead or in prison.

“The point of being a junkie is that the only way you can get out is if there’s something in your life that’s more compelling than drugs. And for me, I had another addiction: food and cooking. That’s what moved me on. That’s how I survived.’

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