Channel Ten has announced the new MasterChef Australia premiere date following the death of beloved judge Jock Zonfrillo.
The 46-year-old passed away in Melbourne on May 1, the same day season fifteen of MasterChef Australia 2023: Secrets and Surprises was supposed to air.
Out of respect for Jock’s family, Ten said the show would not air this week.
The network has since announced the show will premiere its latest season on Sunday, May 7 at 7:30pm “with the full support” of Jock’s family.
He leaves behind his wife, Lauren Fried and their two young children, Alfie, five, and Isla. Jock was also the father to two teenage girls, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages.
“MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks,” Ten said in a statement shared on Instagram.
“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted Judge and Chef we knew and loved.
“Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.”
MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo’s life will be honoured in a TV special
Ten went on to say “a special edition of The Sunday Project will pay tribute to Jock”.
It will air from 6.30 pm on Sunday, 7 May, before MasterChef.
“With contributions from friends, he held closely, the show will honour Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life in a celebration of his incredible achievements,” they said.
“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted Judge and Chef who we knew and loved.”
Jock Zonfrillo’s death throws Channel Ten ‘into chaos’
As fans and loved ones continue to pay tribute to the beloved chef, Ten was reportedly “thrown into crisis”.
At the time a TV insider has since told Yahoo! Lifestyle it’s unclear whether the show will go to air. However, a source told The Daily Telegraph it would be broadcast.
“Channel 10 and Endemol were thrown into crisis meetings, with bosses unsure if it’s appropriate to still air the new season,” they said.
“Word is that the show will continue, it really is a matter of what, how and when so that it is appropriately respectful to the family and to viewers,” they told the outlet.
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