MasterChef judge Andy Allen pays tribute to late co-star Jock Zonfrillo in first TV interview since shocking death
MasterChef judge Andy Allen will pay tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo on a special episode of The Project on Sunday.
The esteemed chef, 35, was heartbroken after his beloved Zonfrillo co-star tragically passed away last week at the age of 46.
It will be Allen’s first interview since the shocking news broke Monday that Zonfrillo was found dead in Melbourne just hours before MasterChef was due to premiere.
Channel Ten said in a statement that Allen will be one of “many of the world’s most famous chefs” paying tribute to Zonfrillo on The Project.
Zonfrillo’s death on April 30 hit Andy particularly hard, as it was supposed to be a holiday for him as it was his 35th birthday.
MasterChef judge Andy Allen will rule on the shock death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo (pictured together) during a special episode of The Project on Sunday
The interview will air at 6:30pm in the slot ahead of the rescheduled MasterChef premiere on Sunday.
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 esteemed chef, 35, was heartbroken after his beloved co-star Jock, 46, tragically passed away last week
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.
The network added that a special edition of The Sunday Project will pay tribute to Jock from 6:30pm on Sunday before the new series airs.
“With contributions from friends he watched closely, the show will honor Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life to celebrate his incredible achievements,” the statement continued.
Production on the 62-episode season wrapped up last month at MasterChef’s headquarters in Flemington, Melbourne.
MasterChef Australia premieres Sunday, May 7 at 7:30pm on Channel 10
“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.