News of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo‘s death is being felt around the world as the hospitality industry, foodies and fans share tribute to the beloved Scot.
The Zonfrillo family issued a statement on May 1 confirming the-46-year-old’s passing.
Jamie Oliver’s tribute to his beloved friend Jock Zonfrillo
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who worked with Jock on this year’s MasterChef series, and fellow expatriate Colin Fassnidge were among those leading the tributes as they struggled to come to terms with his devastating death.
Jamie, who is a guest on the now-delayed first episode of the new season of MasterChef, said he was in “total shock” when he woke up to the news in the UK.
“I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo,” Jamie began his heartfelt message.
“We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell 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…Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style…
“Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants xxx. Love jamie”.
Colin Fassnidge breaks his silence following Jock Zonfrillo’s death
Meanwhile, TV personality Colin was “speechless at the loss of a young man”.
“Such a shock! Love to his family. Sleep well, my friend. I’m floored,” the grief-stricken chef wrote on Instagram.
The My Kitchen Rules judge has since spoken to media about his treasured memories with his mate.
“I’ve known Jock for 20 years since he worked at Level 41 and I worked at Bank and we were young chefs coming up,” Colin told The Daily Telegraph.
“And then obviously we’ve lived very similar lives which we’d speak about – we’re chefs and on TV shows and all the travel.”
Despite being on “rival shows” the pair shared a deep bond and often shared a few whiskeys.
“Look, I’m just still pretty in shock, like everybody else,” he said.
Manu Feildel is visibly shaken over Jock Zonfrillo’s death
Manu Feildel was visibly shaken and confused as he told 7NEWS he was devastated for Jock’s wife and children.
“I just turned fifty and I’m still feeling young so I’m telling you, forty-six… it’s far too young to go,” The My Kitchen Rules judge said.
“I feel really sorry for his wife and his kids… I’ve got kids myself and I’m finding it hard to find my words right now.
“He’s had a really successful career and suddenly it’s all stopped. You just wonder how and why.”
Feildel said he was inundated with calls and texts from friends in the hospitality industry, including from his MKR co-star Colin.
“Colin Fassnidge was one of the first ones to call me. It’s a very tight industry; the chefs are our friends,” he said.
“We are all mates and when one person goes down everybody feels a pinch. We feel terrible about it.
“He was a genuinely nice guy… He’s going to be sorely missed by a lot of people.”
Jock Zonfrillo’s fellow MasterChef judges are ‘devastated and broken’
MasterChef judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen are said to be “devastated and broken” by the death of their co-star Jock.
Channel Ten’s Angela Bishop said on The Project the pair were “trying to process the news”.
“They would work 16 hours days together for MasterChef, you couldn’t find closer work mates and confidantes,” Angela said during the May 1 episode.
“They are devastated, ‘broken’ is the word described to me, they are trying to process this news.”
Jock, Melissa and Andy started working together on MasterChef back in 2020 when they were launched as the new judging panel.
Gordon Ramsay’s tribute to Jock Zonfrillo
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay took to Twitter his express his condolences.
Gordon worked with Jock on MasterChef Australia in 2020 and said he was deeply saddened by the devastating news.
“I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx.” he wrote.
The devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s death is felt by more friends, fans and foodies
Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott said he felt “lucky” to have been part of his circle.
“You’re a beautiful man Jock. Felt lucky you and your family came into our lives. Gone too soon brother,” he wrote.
Jimmy Barnes, whose family shared many home-cooked meals Jack and his family, said the MasterChef judge was “like a brother to me”.
“It’s a very sad day. We’ve lost another dear friend. Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart goes out to his family. I am speechless. Rest my friend xx,” the singer posted.
“Holding Jock’s family close to my heart and thinking of those in his circle at this saddest of times. He touched so many of us,” Studio 10 host Narelda Jacobs wrote.
MasterChef contestant Reynold Poernomo said: ‘I’m so shocked. Rest in peace, chef. My heart and condolences to loved ones.”
The Bachelor alum Georgia Love shared: “I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry”.
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