Jock Zonfrillo: MasterChef stars Curtis Stone and Poh Ling Yeow join tributes

Curtis Stone and Poh Ling Yeow, along with their culinary peers, have paid tribute to the late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo.

The Scottish-Australian chef was found dead by police at about 2am on Monday at a hotel on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne. He was 46.

Stone and Ling Yeow, who knew Zonfrillo from performances at MasterChef and as colleagues in the hospitality industry, shared tributes on social media.

Stone, 47, posted a photo of herself with Zonfrillo and wrote, “The world lost an incredible human being when we lost Jock.

“We’ve become good friends over the years, whether it’s a laugh together, a nice plate of food or a story from the old days while we work our ass off in London.”

Stone continued, “Nothing was too much trouble for him. He cared about everyone.

“It was heartwarming to hear him talk about his family with such love. You will be sorely missed, my friend. Rest in peace, mate.’

Ling Yeow, who appeared twice on MasterChef, also paid tribute on Instagram as she offered her condolences for another Scottish friend who passed away last week.

“We lost two complicated Scots this week. RIP Jock and Rhino,” she wrote, before expressing her “strength and love” for Zonfrillo’s widow, Lauren Fried, and his four children, Ava, Sophia, Alfie and Isla..

In 2020, MasterChef viewers accused Zonfrillo of showing favoritism towards Ling Yeow after he chose her as the winner of a mystery box challenge.

Aside from this controversy, it was always clear that both chefs had a deep respect for each other.

Poh Ling Yeow, who appeared twice on MasterChef, also paid tribute on Instagram as she offered her condolences for another Scottish friend who passed away in the past week

Singer Dami Im, who appeared on the celebrity version of MasterChef, also wrote, “So heartbroken to hear the news yesterday and so hard to process.

“I just wanted to say that he was nothing but kind and generous to everyone who crossed his path.

“He gave so much of himself on set and off, and had the ability to make people laugh at all times.”

Singer Dami Im, who appeared on the celebrity version of MasterChef, also wrote: ‘So heartbroken to hear the news yesterday and so hard to process’

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.

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.

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.

Police found Zonfrillo’s body around 2am on Monday after being called to a hotel on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne for a welfare check

The Glasgow-born chef joined Andy Allen and Melissa Leong as the host of the popular cooking show Channel 10 in 2019.

The trio replaced original judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan after they left the show over a pay dispute.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The host of My Kitchen Rules, who enjoyed a friendly rivalry with Zonfrillo in the TV and culinary world, told 7News he was devastated for the Scottish-born chef’s wife and children