Jock Zonfrillo‘s wife Lauren Fried has shared a heartwarming post in support of Andy Allen and the new MasterChef Australia 2024 judges.
Just months after the shock death of Jock, it was revealed the cooking show’s judging panel is getting an overhaul for its next season.
Melissa Leong has departed the program to host its spin-off Dessert Masters, while Andy Allen remains with the addition of new faces Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.
After the announcement, Lauren took to Jock’s Instagram account to share her happiness about the direction MasterChef is taking.
“This would make Jock immensely happy. [Andy] unexpectedly came into our life 4 years ago. He quickly became a best mate to Jock, shared a passion for food and fun, and was someone who cared deeply for our family,” Lauren wrote.
She also expressed gratitude for Andy stepping up and filming a segment for Jock’s tribute show just days after his death.
“Andy walked back into the MasterChef kitchen to film his segment for Jock’s tribute show 7 months ago, literally only hours after I called him to tell him the news,” she recalled.
“He did that for Ava and I, for Jock, and as a gift for our little ones to watch in the future. I see now that it was an enormous, and possibly unfair, request I made of him. He did it without hesitation.”
Lauren Fried’s request for the new MasterChef Australia judges
Lauren, who married Jock in 2017, went on to give a shoutout to the new MasterChef judges.
“To [Poh], [Sofia] and [Jean-Christophe] — you already know how amazing MasterChef is, but you are yet to realise the legend that is your new mate in Andy and the crew who are the best in the business,” she penned.
“You all have my absolute support.”
Lauren also had a request for the newbies.
“All I ask is that you continue to take the piss out of Andy, make him coffees that are so strong he walks onto set shaking, take him for a round of golf to let off some steam, and that you beat him in any cook-offs.”
In response to Lauren’s touching post, Andy said he was “lost for words”.
“Would do anything for you and the family,” he confessed.
Interestingly, there was no mention of Melissa, who co-hosted MasterChef Australia with Jock and Andy from 2020.
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