MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen admits Jock Zonfrillo’s death hit him ‘like a ton of bricks’
MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen fights back tears as he admits Jock Zonfrillo’s death hit him ‘like a ton of bricks’: ‘I’m struggling to realize he’s gone’
MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen paid tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo on a special episode of The Sunday Project.
In his first interview since the shocking news, Allen, 35, sat down with Sarah Harris and revealed the devastating impact Zonfrillo’s death has had on him.
The former MasterChef winner turned judge was heartbroken after his beloved co-star tragically passed away last week at the age of 46.
“I want to say I’m fine, but I’m not great,” Allen told Harris.
“This hit me like a brick. He’s the heart and soul of this place… It’s hard for me to realize he’s really gone.”
Allen went on to say that it felt weird being on the MasterChef set without Zonfrillo before addressing the last time he saw him.
MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen (pictured) paid tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo on a special episode of The Sunday Project
In his first interview since the shocking news, Allen, 35, sat down with Sarah Harris and revealed the devastating impact Zonfrillo’s death has had on him. Pictured: Allen and Harris
Thinking back to their last lunch together, he said, “We went to Tippo. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, it was good old catching up on what we’ve been doing, what we were excited about.”
Zonfrillo and his family had recently moved to Rome, while the MasterChef judge flew solo back to Melbourne for the show’s premiere.
Andy revealed that Zonfrillo was eager to return to Rome and start a new life with his family.
Thinking back to their last lunch together, he said, “We went to Tippo. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, it was good old catching up on what we’ve been doing, what we were excited about’
Andy confessed that a part of him felt guilty about not being there with Zonfrillo during his final moments.
When asked what he would miss most about Zonfrillo, Allen said, “Everything. I probably spend more time – in the six months we’re filming – with him than I do with my wife.
“I’m going to miss everything this man brought to my life… He couldn’t wait for Alex and I to have kids too. He always said I would make a great dad. And I wish he was there to see that.’
Andy confessed that a part of him felt guilty about not being there with Zonfrillo during his final moments. Together on the photo on November 1, 2022
Andy paid tribute to Jock on Instagram last week, writing, “You taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I’ve learned about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I will taking our time together and will last forever.’
Season 15 of the show was set to start on May 1, but was postponed after the Scottish chef was found dead by police in a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air on Sunday 7th May at 7.30pm,” said a Channel 10 statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday.
“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted Judge and Chef we knew and loved,” it continued.
‘Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.’
The former MasterChef winner turned judge was heartbroken after his beloved co-star tragically passed away last week at the age of 46.
Season 15 of the show was set to start on May 1, but was postponed after the Scottish chef was found dead by police at a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air on Sunday 7th May at 7.30pm,” said a Channel 10 statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday.