MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen gushed about his bond with co-star Jock Zonfrillo in an interview released just hours before the restaurateur’s death.
Jock was found dead by police at a hotel on Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, around 2 am on May 1, after authorities were called to conduct a welfare check.
Andy, who won MasterChef in 2012, spoke highly of his friend in a recent episode of the TV Reload podcast, which went live on April 29.
Chatting to host and Big Brother star Benjamin Norris, Andy said the duo hadn’t met until they were cast as judges in 2019.
Along with Melissa Leong, the 35-year-old explained that the trio was individually unique. He believed this allowed them to mesh as both judges and friends behind the scenes of MasterChef.
“I feel like I can really relate to what the contestants are going through, and also give quite relatable feedback as well,” Andy said.
“I think that’s where Jock, Melissa and myself are such a great combination in that we really complement each other.”
Andy Allen pays tribute to MasterChef Australia co-star Jock Zonfrillo
Following Jock’s death, Andy broke his silence on May 2 with an Instagram carousel honouring his friend.
“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, [Jock’s wife] 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.”
He went on to praise Jock’s ability to mentor people, and his knack for “ordering the entire menu no matter how many dishes deep”.
He signed off by thanking his friend for “making me constantly laugh and being there when I needed to cry”.
Melissa also paid tribute to Jock, telling fans he “showed [her] what true excellence looks like”.
He is survived by 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.
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