Gordon Ramsay breaks down over the death of Jock Zonfrillo

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay broke down in tears over the death of Jock Zonfrillo in a touching MasterChef tribute.

Chefs, TV personalities and friends of Jock Zonfrillo shared a touching tribute to the late MasterChef judge in the lead-up to the shows premiere on Sunday night.

Culinary heavyweights Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White both appeared on a special edition of The Project to honour the Scottish chef’s life, commenting on his skill behind the stove and his legacy as an inviting figure on screen.

Ramsay said he connected instantly with Zonfrillo during their time together on the popular cooking show.

“Spending time on the floor with Jock in MasterChef was electrifying but it was always something quite encouraging about the s**t you’d — we’d gone through to get to where we’d been,” he said.

“Plus it was an incredible stage that you’re on with MasterChef Australia. It’s the most-watched MasterChef anywhere on the planet, so it’s a privilege. And being present in that room, welcoming Jock to the platform, was just one of those experiences I’ll never forget.”

Ramsay, one of the biggest names in the food world, said the loss of Zonfrillo had been felt far and wide.

“The ripples have been devastating. No one’s gonna get over this quickly,” Ramsay said as he welled up.

“If there’s one thing that we’ve done as chefs is we’ve united and we’re talking about the good times. So … sorry. It’s just so painful.”

Gordon Ramsay broke down in tears on The Project's tribute to Jock Zonfrillo.

A Tribute to Jock Zonfrillo on The Project.

Pierre White said a piece of Jock would live on in anyone with whom he was involved.

“Jock Zonfrillo will never die. He will live on through everyone he touched,” he said. “He lives within it. — us, and everybody who watches that show, a little piece of him will be still in there. That‘s the truth.”

Former Project co-host Tommy Little also shared a touching memory about the last time the pair spoke.

“The only regret I have is the last time I saw him I interrupted his dinner. Lauren … he didn’t tell me to go away, but had I known you had so few dinners left with the love of your life, I never would have come over,” he said.

“I love you, mate. I miss you.”

Friend Jimmy Barnes played a solemn musical tribute at the close of the show, singing The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond featuring a kilted bagpipe player.

The last time Jimmy Barnes sang the traditional Scottish song 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' was with his fellow Scot Jock Zonfrillo. Tonight, he sings it in tribute to his great mate. pic.twitter.com/R5StJjp3Dy

— The Project (@theprojecttv) May 7, 2023

Viewers noted how hard it was to watch the first episode of MasterChef following the teary tributes.

As speculation grew about what exactly Ten would do with this already-filmed season of MasterChef, the network on Wednesday announced that the show would go on.

The announcement sparked much discussion among fans on social media, with many praising Ten for continuing with the season after an appropriate pause. Others admitted they might struggle to watch the show so soon after Zonfrillo’s death.

I was so looking forward to this season of MasterChef - I guess I still am just with a little 💔 knowing that we got one
Last season to watch jock - and that it’s his last ever season and now he’s gone🥺😢 #letsgiveitupforjockeverybody#MasterChefAU

— Nadia Yee (@nadiaeyee) May 7, 2023

Dearest Jock,
My heart is broken💔 Toughest Masterchef watch yet. Pouring out a bottle of HP sauce for you. I love you and miss you, your culinary skills, your insatiable food shovelling, your impeccable style, and your kind heart. RIP, legend. :( #MasterChefAU#zonfrillo

— Aurora (@Intense_Silver) May 7, 2023

I like watching MasterChefAU; 👍 but makes me sad now Jock has departed our world, isn’t gonna be the same for me now he is gone from MasterChef.
I will miss watching Jock and hearing his voice. There was something soothing and assuring about him. 😢

— Tania (@zippness_) May 7, 2023

Zonfrillo, 46, was found dead by police about 2am last Monday following a welfare check at boutique hotel Zagame’s House in inner-city Carlton.

The chef’s cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, and Victoria Police have confirmed the 46-year-old’s death is “not being treated as suspicious”.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.”

Originally published as Gordon Ramsay breaks down over the death of Jock Zonfrillo