MasterChef Australia judge and chef, Jock Zonfrillo, has died suddenly at the age of 46 years old.
In a statement issued by MasterChef Australia's broadcaster Network Ten and their production company Endemol Shine, the Zonfrillo family revealed the Glasgow-born chef had died on Sunday.
“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday."
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re 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 Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky."
“We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.”
Jock was hired in 2019 as one of the three hosts of its reality competition cooking show after original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan departed. He starred alongside former MasterChef Australia winner Andy Allen and Australian food critic and TV host Melissa Leong.
Their newest series MasterChef: Secrets and Surprises, was due to air tonight in Australia, and in NZ this coming Sunday, May 7 on TVNZ, but has since been announced by Australia's Network Ten that they will not premiere the show this week out of respect to his family.
Jock is survived by his wife Lauren Fried and his four children.
