MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46, his family have confirmed.
In a statement shared on social media, they paid tribute to the Scot, who was a renowned chef as well as a judge on the cooking competition. He also ran the popular restaurant Orana in South Australia until its closure in 2020.
Jock's family said: "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. 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.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
"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." They continued: "We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this, and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend."
His death comes just as MasterChef Australia's 15th season is due to begin on Monday night. However, the show will not air in light of the judge's death, reports the Mirror. The show tweeted its decision alongside a tribute to Jock, which read: "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."
Jock's cause of death has not been shared, but his death is not being treated as suspicious. Meanwhile, a Victoria Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australia how they found the TV star's body at around 2am on Monday after they were called to do a welfare check.
The star is survived by his third wife Lauren Fried and his four children Ava and Sophia – whom are from his first marriages – and Alfie and Isla – from his last marriage.
Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay were among those paying tribute to Jock. Jamie, who appeared on the upcoming series of MasterChef, posted a photo alongside Jock and fellow MasterChef judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen on his Instagram page, adding that he was in "total shock" over the news.
He wrote in the caption: "I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him !
"Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful…Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style…
"Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants xxx. Love jamie".
Meanwhile Gordon Ramsay tweeted: "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".
Chef Reynold Poernomo commented on the post to announce Jock's death: "I’m so shocked… rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones". Nigella Lawson added: "My deepest, deepest sympathies and much love to Jock’s family and friends. How devastating. How unbearable. My heart goes out to you."
MasterChef Australia's 2014 winner Emelia Jackson penned: "Shocked and heartbroken RIP Jock, you will be sorely missed. My condolences to your beautiful family".
Jock was born in Glasgow, Scotland to an Italian father and Scottish mother. His upbringing is said to have inspired his love of food. He moved to Australia in 2000 and opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana, which was awarded as one of the world's best eateries before its closure in 2020.
He begun working in the industry from the age of 12 and, by the time he was 17, Jock worked in Marco Pierre White's restaurant.
READ NEXT:
'Heart warming' moment children sing along and dance with elderly woman on Metrolink
How Manchester is gearing up to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 'right on its doorstep'
Beautician left job and now rakes in £7k a month as a full time WITCH after 'spiritual awakening'
'Food from beauty spot café looked nothing like online photos'
