MasterChef Australia judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen are “devastated and broken” by the death of their co-star Jock Zonfrillo.
Speaking on behalf of Melissa and Andy, Channel Ten’s entertainment editor Angela Bishop said the pair are “trying to process the news”.
Angela was visibly shaken during her appearance on The Project, the same day her beloved colleague’s death was confirmed.
Jock’s passing on May 1 was also the same day the new season of MasterChef was due to premiere until Ten postponed it out of respect.
“It is a loss of the member of the family here at Ten… only 46 that is why this is such a shocking piece of news,’ Angela began.
“They would work 16 hours days together for MasterChef, you couldn’t find closer work mates and confidantes.
“They are devastated, ‘broken’ is the word described to me, they are trying to process this news”.
Jock, Melissa and Andy started working together in 2020 when they were launched as the new judging panel.
They took over from the MasterChef‘s original judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston.
Melissa Leong’s touching interview about her MasterChef co-star Jock Zonfrillo
Neither Melissa nor Andy have spoken publically about Jock’s passing but in an interview before he died, Mellissa gave a touching interview about her “talented” friend.
It seemed the foodie was unaware Jock had died during the night when she spoke to HIT WA Breakfast with Allan and Carly in the morning on May 1.
“Over the years I used to be a very competitive eater, especially with Jock,” Melissa said.
“And I learned very quickly not to try to keep up with Jock because you will lose.”
She said Jock would eat all day at “a volume that defies physics”.
“He has hollow legs and can eat at a rate and a volume that defies physics, logic and science. It just doesn’t… you don’t understand it,’ she joked.
Melissa went on to say she admired his many talents including his innate ability to wear a three-piece suit.
“He’s freakishly talented, super lovely, really funny, totally handsome, rocks a three-piece suit like nobody else,” she quipped. “It’s quite frankly outrageous.”
Jock Zonfrillo’s family confirm his death hours after Melissa Leong’s interview
News of Jock’s death sent shockwaves around the world as friends, fans and the foodie community continue to share tribute.
His family confirmed the sad news the Scottish-born TV personality and restauranter passed away in Melbourne.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
They have asked for privacy while they “grieve privately”.
“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,” they said of the loss of their “irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend”.
“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.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said Jock’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
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