MasterChef Australia judge and chef Andy Allen has broken his silence following the death of his friend and colleague Jock Zonfrillo in a touching tribute.
In a lengthy Instagram post and accompanying a carousel of images, the 35-year-old former MasterChef contestant eloquently put into words the profound impact Jock had on his life and those around him.
The pair were more than just work pals and formed a close relationship with each other’s families including Jock’s wife, Lauren, and kids Alfie, five, and Isla, two, whom he leaves behind.
“When I met you 5 years ago I knew our lives were about to change forever,” Andy began.
“What I didn’t realise is how close Alex [wife Alex Davey] and I would become outside of the kitchen with you, Lauren and your kids. You’ve become such an inspirational and important part of our lives.
“Sure, you’ve taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I learnt about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I’ll take away from our time together and will last forever.”
Andy Allen says his memories with Jock Zonfrillo will last a lifetime
Andy and Jock started working together in 2019 and alongside Melissa Leong, they replaced MasterChef‘s original judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston.
“I’ll miss the way you mentored me and every contestant that walked into the MasterChef kitchen,” Andy continued.
“I’ll miss you ordering the entire menu no matter how many dishes deep and making me eat every last bite, I’ll miss your morning on-set coffees that made me shake from the amount of caffeine you were able to extract out of every individual bean, I’ll miss the morning FaceTimes with Loz, Alfie and Isla, but overall I’ll miss you looking out for me every single day.”
He signed off by thanking his friend for “making me constantly laugh and being there when I needed to cry”.
“You really were the complete package mate and life will never be the same without you. I know you’ll be looking down on Loz, Ava, Sophia, Alfie & Isla. Give it up for Jock Zonfrillo ❤️,” he said.
Andy is just one of many who have penned a heartfelt message to Jock after his death.
Melissa Leong’s touching interview about her MasterChef co-star Jock Zonfrillo
Melissa hasn’t spoken publically about Jock’s passing, but in an interview before he died she gave a touching interview about her “talented” friend.
“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’s body was found at a hotel in Melbourne about 2 am on May 1.
Victoria Police are yet to determine the cause of death but have said it’s not suspicious.
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