FRIENDS till the end
MASTERCHEF’S MEL AND ANDY REMEMBER THEIR BELOVED COLLEAGUE
When Network 10 recast Masterchef ’s judging panel in 2019, there was no telling what fans would make of the new line-up. However, it didn’t take long before viewers fell in love with Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.
Genuinely enjoying each other’s company, the trio formed a rock-solid bond. It’s understandable then, that Mel and Andy were left devastated by Jock’s untimely passing last week, aged 46.
“When I met you five years ago, I knew our lives were about to change forever,” Andy, 35, said in an emotional letter to Jock shared on social media.
“You’ve become such an inspirational and important part of our lives,” Andy continued. “Sure, you’ve taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I learnt about what it means to be a great father, husband, and friend that I’ll take away from our time together and will last forever.”
Mel, 41, also made a moving tribute to her late friend, telling fans the news of Jock’s death was still too “raw to process”.
“Thank you for challenging me daily, for making me better, my work buddy and friend, purveyor of excellent morning coffees, hater of pears, okra and nasturtiums,” she wrote to Jock. “My heart goes out to your family, who were and are your life.”
Jock’s loved ones confirmed he had died in a Melbourne hotel room on April 30. In a statement they said their hearts were “completely shattered” and didn’t know how they can “possibly move through life without him”.
It’s understood Jock had relocated to Italy to begin an exciting new chapter with his wife, Lauren, and their kids Alfie, 5, and Isla, 2. The Scottish-born chef was also dad to Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages.
It’s believed Jock returned home to help launch Season 15 of Masterchef. It was due to premiere on May 1, but Network 10 understandably postponed the launch.
Jock Zonfrillo
1976 - 2023