MasterChef Australia has announced the new season will premiere on Sunday night following the shocking death of Jock Zonfrillo earlier this week.
His family confirmed his death on Monday, saying “our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend” died on Sunday in Melbourne. “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.
Network Ten have revealed that with the blessing of the Scots chef's family, the series is set to air this weekend. Announcing the news on social media, the broadcaster confirmed a special tribute to Jock will air beforehand.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday, 7 May,” the network said. "A special tribute episode of The Sunday Project will air before the first MasterChef episode of season 15, which was filmed before Zonfrillo died aged 46."
“MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks,” Network Ten 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 will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.
“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 concluded. .
Fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen paid tribute to Zonfrillo on social media earlier in the week. Leong said the tragedy “feels too raw to process still”.
“I suspect it will for some time, My heart goes out to your family, who were and are your life. A wee dram for you today, and always," she said.
Allen said Zonfrillo taught him “what it means to be a great father, husband and friend” and he would miss the Glasgow-born chef looking out for him “every single day”.
“I’ll miss the way you mentored me and every contestant that walked into the MasterChef kitchen,” Allen said. “I’ll miss you ordering the entire menu, no matter how many dishes deep and making me eat every last bite.
“You really were the complete package, mate, and life will never be the same without you.”
Fellow Scots chef Gordon wrote: "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."
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