The immediate future of MasterChef Australia will ultimately be decided by Jack Zonfrillo’s wife, Channel 10 sources say.
The star chef was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room at 2 a.m. Monday, just hours before he was due to begin promotional duties for the show.
Filming for the final season of MasterChef was wrapped up several weeks ago and was set to start on Monday night, just after the success of Sunday’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here finale.
The immediate future of MasterChef Australia will ultimately be decided by Jack Zonfrillo’s wife, Channel 10 sources say.
Network Ten is in talks about whether or not to keep the entire series in light of Jock Zonfrillo’s tragic death
The series is in limbo as network bosses and sponsors — including key stakeholder Coles — consider whether and how to proceed in light of Zonfrillo’s death.
Ten has already announced that MasterChef will not air until Monday, May 8.
However, sources say a number of options are being considered, including the show — arguably Ten’s annual centerpiece with a $30 million production price tag — being held indefinitely or even shelved.
It’s clear the call will be with Zonfrillo’s family, particularly his wife Lauren Fried, with the network and the show’s sponsors determined to respect whatever direction they choose.
It is clear that the call will be with Zonfrillo’s family, especially his wife Lauren Fried (pictured with their two children)
“It will really come down to Jock’s family and what they think he would have wanted,” the Ten insider tells Daily Mail Australia.
“Commercially this is a disaster and timing wise it’s just diabolical.
“But even a major TV network wouldn’t be creepy enough to put anything other than the wishes of Jock’s family first.
“At the end of the day, it’s about whether they think he would have wanted the show to go on and if it’s too soon, it’s too soon. There will be a contingency plan no matter what decision is made.’
“It will really come down to Jock’s family and what they think he would have wanted,” the Ten insider tells Daily Mail Australia.
A big possibility is that Ten chooses to hold on to this current season until 2024 and air an alternative instead.
However, network sources say there is little else available that compares to MasterChef, in terms of high-quality products.
‘MasterChef is the tentpole of the Ten. Cost-wise, it’s the same as Married At First Sight for Nine or A Farmer Wants A Wife for Seven,” the source said.
“It’s Ten’s biggest investment by far, so there’s really nothing else that could replace it.”
MasterChef is also unique in its reliance on corporate sponsorship, with a number of major brands investing heavily in the show.
MasterChef presents Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Zonfrinno at the 2022 AACTA Awards
“(MasterChef) is by far Ten’s biggest investment, so there’s really nothing else that could replace it.”
Obviously, Coles accounts for about $6 million of the show’s production budget.
Harvey Norman, Somat, Bulla, L’Or Espresso, Primo Small Goods and HCF Australia are also investing.
“The network is in a terrible position. This is a devastatingly unique situation and it must be unthinkable for everyone involved to navigate through it,” said a source.
It is understood that a tribute to Zonfrillo is also in production and there are plans to air it in the coming days, but a spokesperson for Ten declined to elaborate.
Zonfrillo’s shocking death is not being treated as suspicious by Melbourne police as the Scottish-born father of four is alone and unresponsive at a hotel on Lygon St, Carlton.
“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.
“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.”
Zonfrillo’s shocking death is not being treated as suspicious by Melbourne police as the Scottish-born father of four is left alone and unresponsive at a hotel on Lygon St.
Ten boss Beverley McGarvey said in a statement: “This is a terribly sad day for the family and friends of Jock, his colleagues at Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia.”
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.”
Ten boss Beverley McGarvey said in a statement: “This is a terribly sad day for Jock’s family and friends, his colleagues at Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia and for MasterChef fans in Australia and around the world.
‘Jock was an extraordinary man. He was a great colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged that he played such an important and influential role in MasterChef. For all his remarkable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
Peter Newman, Chief Executive Officer, Endemol Shine Australia, said: ‘We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Jock’s passing. Jock was an incredible talent, not only as a renowned chef, but also as someone who could bring joy to the homes of people in Australia and around the world in his role as a MasterChef Australia judge.”