(ReliableNews.org) – MasterChef is an incredibly popular cooking show that airs in roughly 40 countries. MasterChef Australia was set to begin its new season this week but had to be postponed to May 7. The delay came after one of its biggest stars died.
On May 1, award-winning chef and MasterChef Australia Host Jock Zonfrillo died at the age of 46. He was found dead in Melbourne the same day the new season of the show was supposed to air. Network 10 released a statement on Twitter, expressing shock and sadness over the death of the star, calling him a “beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family.”
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. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday.
MasterChef Australia will not air this week. pic.twitter.com/cmtDuJr19P— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) May 1, 2023
On Wednesday, May 3, the television show released a statement informing fans the article would air on the 7th. Zonfrillo’s family reportedly supports this decision. “Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come,” the statement said. A memorial show will pay tribute to the chef prior to the airing of the show.
The new season of #MasterChefAU begins 7.30pm Sunday on @Channel10AU and 10 Play. pic.twitter.com/EOnMdXb9Ji
— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) May 3, 2023
Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He worked as an apprentice under famous chef Marco-Pierre White. Throughout his career, he worked at many restaurants and then opened his own eateries in 2013. Orana, one of his restaurants, was named Australia’s Restaurant of the Year in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the Australian was named Hottest Chef in Australia.
The chef joined MasterChef Australia as a judge in 2019. He worked with food critic Melissa Long and chef Andy Allen. It’s one of the top-rated shows in the country. Gordon Ramsay posted a tribute to the chef on Twitter, saying he was sending his love to Zonfrillo’s family.
Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing. 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
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) May 1, 2023
Zonfrillo is survived by four children and his wife, Lauren Fried. BBC reported the family released a statement saying their hearts were “shattered.” They told everyone who knew him to keep him in their hearts the next time they have a whiskey.
Copyright 2023, ReliableNews.org
