MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo passes away; Ten postpones season premiere
The new season of MasterChef Australia will not air on Ten tonight following the sudden passing of Jock Zonfrillo, one of the show’s judges since 2019.
The Paramount-owned network confirmed on Monday afternoon that the Scottish television presenter passed away yesterday in Melbourne. Zonfrillo joined the show four years ago alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.
Jock Zonfrillo
A statement from his family said: “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.”
A joint statement from Ten and Endemol Shine Australia, the producer of MasterChef Australia, said, “Jock’s love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age.
“From that point onwards there was no holding him back and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White.
“Throughout his career he worked with world-famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world. His talent saw him shine in the world’s most formidable kitchens and he opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide after moving to Australia.
“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
Following the news, Ten said the new season of MasterChef Australia will not air this week. It did not confirm a specific return date for the show.
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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