MasterChef Australia shares tragic update after Jock Zonfrillo’s death
Channel 10 has made a somber change to MasterChef Australia’s official Facebook page following the unexpected passing of 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.
At 2:13 p.m. Tuesday, the network replaced a previously featured photo, which showed Jock along with fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen, with the MasterChef logo.
The untimely passing of the beloved Scottish-Italian chef has cast a shadow over the hit reality show and raised questions about the future of the upcoming series.
Originally slated to return to television screens on May 1, the new season’s fate is now uncertain as fans and production staff alike must come to terms with the loss of the culinary icon.
Channel 10 has made a somber change to MasterChef Australia’s official Facebook page following the unexpected passing of Jock Zonfrillo. Pictured, from left to right, Melissa Leong, Andy Allen and Zonfrillo
At 2:13 p.m. Tuesday, the network replaced a previously featured photo, which showed Jock along with fellow judges Melissa and Andy, with the MasterChef logo
Zonfrillo, who joined MasterChef Australia in 2019 as a judge, quickly became a fan favorite for his warm demeanor, culinary expertise and mentorship to contestants.
His passion for native Australian ingredients and his philanthropic efforts in the culinary world were known and admired.
Police found Zonfrillo’s body after being called to a Carlton, Melbourne hotel 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.
The Glasgow-born chef co-hosted popular cooking show Channel 10 with Allen and Leong in 2019.
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 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.”