Jamie Oliver has paid tribute to his MasterChef Australia co-star Jock Zonfrillo following his shocking death in Melbourne aged 46.
British chef Jamie, 47, who is taking part in the upcoming season of the hit show this year, said he was “totally shocked” by the news.
Zonfrillo’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news with a statement on Monday.
A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia they found Zonfrillo’s body at about 2am Monday after being called to a hotel on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check. No cause of death has been released, but police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.
“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.
Jamie Oliver has paid tribute to his MasterChef Australia co-star Jock Zonfrillo following his shocking death at the age of 46. Pictured on the set of the show together with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen
‘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 Gordon Ramsay, 56, tweeted: ‘Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I really enjoyed the time we spent together at MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family during this difficult time Gx.”
British chef Jamie, 47, who is taking part in the upcoming season of the hit show this year, said he was ‘totally shocked’ by the news
British chef Gordon Ramsay, 56, tweeted: ‘Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I really enjoyed the time we spent together at MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family at this difficult time Gx’
Irish chef Colin Fassnidge shared a photo of Jock and wrote: ‘RIP my friend I hope to have a whiskey again someday’
Irish chef Colin Fassnidge shared a photo of Jock and wrote, “RIP my friend, I hope to have a whiskey again someday.”
Scottish-Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes shared a photo of himself and Zonfrillo on stage in matching tartan, writing: ‘It’s a very sad day. We have lost another dear friend. Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless. Rest my friend xx.’
Jock’s family statement was released on Instagram on Monday and below it, a number of celebrities expressed their condolences.
Scottish-Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes shared a photo of himself and Zonfrillo on stage in matching tartan, writing: ‘It’s a very sad day. We have lost another dear friend’
He added: ‘Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless. Rest my friend xx’
Jock’s family statement was released on Instagram on Monday and below it, a number of celebrities expressed their condolences
Former MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow wrote, “I send you all the biggest hugs. Speechless.’
Colin Fassnidge added below: ‘What a shock! Love for his family. Good night my friend. I’m floored.’
Actress Rebecca Gibney commented, “No words. Very heartbroken for you.’
Rebecca Harding, model and Andy Lee’s girlfriend, added, “I’m so sorry. What a beautiful, happy man. Sending all my love to Loz, Ava and the rest of the Zonfrillo family. You’ll be missed mate.’
Jock is pictured with his fellow MasterChef judges and Gordon Ramsay
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.
A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia they found Zonfrillo’s body at about 2am Monday after being called to a hotel on Lygon Street in Carlton for a welfare check.
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.
“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.”
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 became host of the popular cooking show Channel 10 in 2019 alongside Andy Allen and Melissa Leong.
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.