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MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo dies at 46 on eve of season premiere
Jock Zonfrillo was found dead just a few hours before the new season of MasterChef Australia's scheduled premiere. - INSTAGRAM/Filepic
MASTERCHEF Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo died on April 30 at age 46, the show's network confirmed. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.
"Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family," a statement shared to Paramount ANZ's website read.
The sad news was announced by the late chef's family in a statement on social media on Monday.
"With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday," his family wrote in a statement on Instagram.
"So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we're too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky."
According to reports, Zonfrillo returned home early from a family vacation to launch his new series. However, he was found dead just a few hours before the show's scheduled premiere.
Zonfrillo, who was of Scottish-Australian heritage and a father of four, was found dead at a house by police in Melbourne.
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland on August 4, 1976, and trained as a chef in the United Kingdom (UK) before moving to Australia in the early 2000s.
While residing in Adelaide, Zonfrillo opened the renowned Orana Restaurant in 2020 and won various awards. In fact, Zonfrillo was listed as one of the leading chefs in Australia.
Zonfrillo joined MasterChef Australia in 2019. He was also a chef, philanthropist and author, releasing his memoir Last Shot in 2021.
The late chef then transitioned to television by becoming a permanent judge on MasterChef Australia for season 12. Prior to that, he was a guest judge for seasons 10 and 11.
The new season of MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises was set to premiere on May 1 but will not air as planned this week, according to the network.
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