MasterChef Australia choose Jock Zonfrillo has died aged 46.
The award-winning chef’s loss of life was confirmed by his household, who shared a press release on Facebook. His explanation for loss of life was not given.
They wrote: “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 phrases can describe him, so many tales could be advised, however right now we’re too overwhelmed to place them into phrases. For those that crossed his path, grew to become his mate, or had been fortunate sufficient to be his household, hold this proud Scot in your hearts when you’ve got your subsequent 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.”
The information got here simply hours earlier than the 2023 season of MasterChef Australia had been on account of air on Monday 1 May.
Channel 10 confirmed the present would no longer be broadcast this week, writing on social media: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week.”
Sharing a selfie, taken with Zonfrillo and the remainder of the MasterChef Australia staff, British celeb chef Jamie Oliver paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo”.
Oliver went on: “We had the very best time working collectively for this yr’s MasterChef, I am unable to inform how good it was to work with him!
“Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful… Melissa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have their very own unique view and style… Jock will be so very missed… I can’t believe I’m writing this…
“Sending coronary heart felt love and condolences to all of his household, buddies and his second household the MasterChef staff and contestants.”
Gordon Ramsay also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “Saddened by the devastating information of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I actually loved the time we spent collectively on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my like to Lauren and the household on this troublesome time”.
Born Barry Zonfrillo in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1976 to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, Zonfrillo’s passion for cooking saw him become one of the youngest students to take an apprenticeship at the five-star Turnberry Hotel, Ayrshire, aged just 15.
By 17, he was working under Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Macro Pierre White at the Hyde Park Hotel, in London.
He later established himself in Australia as the head chef at Restaurant 41 in Sydney in 2000, going on to open his own Restaurant Orana in 2013.
In 2019, he was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia, alongside food critic Melissa Leong and cook Andy Allen.
Zonfrillo had previously spoken publicly about overcoming drug addiction and homelessness in the early days of his career.
Production company Endemol Shine’s chief executive officer, Peter Newman, said of Zonfrillo: “On set he was liked by the staff and his ardour for meals and the present was infectious.
“He was also a brilliant champion for the contestants on MasterChef, always wanting the very best for them. He will be deeply missed by the entire MasterChef team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
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Executive vice chairman of Network 10’s mother or father firm Paramount ANZ, Beverley McGarvey, mentioned in a press release: “This is a terribly sad day.
“Jock was a rare man. He was an exquisite colleague and pal, and we really feel very privileged to have had him play such an essential and impactful function in MasterChef.
“Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
Former MasterChef contestants together with Minoli De Silva, Laura Sharrad and Reynold Poernomo additionally paid tribute.
Zonfrillo leaves behind his third spouse Lauren Fried and 4 kids.
Source: information.sky.com”