MasterChef will go to air this Sunday
Network 10 have made a call about the future of their biggest show after speaking with the family of the late Jock Zonfrillo.
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The 15th season of MasterChef Australia will go to air with the blessing of late judge Jock Zonfrillo’s family.
Executives at Channel 10 and Endemol Shine Australia on Wednesday met with Zonfrillo’s family in Melbourne to decide the future of the show following his tragic death earlier this week.
News of Zonfrillo’s passing broke on Monday - the same day as the new season was to premiere.
The season had been filmed in its entirety about a month before his death at the age of just 46.
It will now launch Sunday, May 7, at 7.30pm.
“MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks,” a statement from Ten read.
“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.”
A special edition of The Sunday Project will pay tribute to Zonfrillo from 6.30pm Sunday ahead of the season premiere.
“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,” the statement continued.
Zonfrillo is survived by wife Lauren and children Isla, Alfie, Sophia and Ava.
Lauren Zonfrillo and his two youngest, Isla and Alfie, flew home from Rome late on Tuesday.
Victoria Police are not treating his death as suspicious and are yet to reveal any more details after the 46-year-old star was found dead in a Lygon St hotel room in the early hours of Monday morning.
Meanwhile, Jimmy and Jane Barnes and their family shared a heartbreakingly beautiful musical tribute to their friend.
“It has been a sad few days,” Barnes said to introduce their performance of Ocean Deep.
“We lost some dear friends and we would like to send our love out to Jock Zonfrillo’s family … (he was) like a brother to me.
“We are going to sing a song for you, Jock … Jock sang a few times with me, and really bad it was. We love him so much.”
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