MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo reportedly secretly battled bowel cancer before his death.
The celebrated chef was found dead at an address at 2am on Monday at the age of 46, his family confirmed in a statement.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and there are no claims that the TV judge died of cancer.
It has been reported that Jock had kept his health problems quiet when he wasn't busy filming for the show.
He reportedly had been receiving bowel cancer treatment from June 2021, a month after it was detected.
"No one in his circle is aware of what he is going through. Neither colleagues or friends," it was claimed at the time.
The source told Daily Mail Australia : "He has not wanted anyone to know as he deals with this tough journey. He is coping poorly with chemo treatment, and the effects it is having."
According to the publication, he was receiving cancer treatment in September last year.
But, no mention of cancer was found in his memoir Last Shot.
In 2021, the publication contacted Network Ten, which airs MasterChef, but they denied he had cancer.
Just hours before he was found dead, Jock had uploaded a promotional poster for the new series of MasterChef to his Instagram page as he urged fans to tune into the brand-new series.
Jock's devastated family confirmed the sad news of his death in a statement shared on social media as they paid tribute to the much-loved MasterChef judge.
"With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possible move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday," the heartbreaking statement read.
"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.
"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."
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