‘We’ll be watching the finale together like always… for Jock’

“We haven’t been able to watch the season yet, but Jock was so proud of the show, and over the years finale night has become a tradition for our family,” Jock Zonfrillo’s wife Lauren says.

In the wake of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo’s sudden passing in April, the current season of the show has been bittersweet.

It’s the last time we’ll see the beloved Scotsman taste a dish or dole out thoughtful advice to contestants, but it’s also a way to honour his memory and to support him one last time.

But that doesn’t mean the show isn’t hard to watch, especially for the family he’s left behind: wife Lauren and kids, five-year-old Alfie, two-year-old Isla, and Ava and Sofia from previous marriages.

The evening before the finale was due to air, Lauren took to Jock's Instagram to speak to fans of the show, saying that although her family hasn’t been able to face watching the season yet, they’re going to watch the finale.

“We haven’t been able to watch this season just yet – that is something we will do,” she said.

“But we left that tonight was an important one to watch like most families there are moments across the year that are special and we used to really enjoy watching the finale together.”

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Lauren Zonfrillo posted to Jock's Instagram on the night of the MasterChef finale. Photo: Instagram

Lauren Zonfrillo’s appeal to fans

Lauren said that watching the finale was a way to honour her husband.

“It was something Jock was really proud of. It was a job he really loved doing. And so we’ve decided that we’re going to honour that and we’re going to keep doing what we would normally do and watch the finale together.”

The mum-of-two said that she’d received and outpouring of support and messages from fans and friends in the run-up to the show.

“So I just wanted to get on here and say, yes, it is sad,” she said as she began to cry. “But this is something he loved doing and this is not the end of the line for Jock at all.

“We have so many wonderful recipes of Jock, having fun, of travel and family stuff that I would love to share with everyone.

“And it’s very much a way that I can find meaning through all of this.”

Jock Zonfrillo died suddenly in April. Photo: Instagram

Lauren took a moment to regain her composure before continuing. “I really wanted to do this without editing, but I needed to take a minute. Thank you, everyone. I’ve loved the messages I’ve received today.

“Of course it’s made me sad, but from that comes a lot of happiness and pride for Jock. So enjoy the finale.”

Fans flocked to the comments to show their support.

“You are incredible! The energy and compassion that Jock brought to that show, with Andy and Mel, is what sets it apart from anything else,” one person said. “It’s hard to imagine what it would be like without his magic."

"You are an amazing lady," said another. “No wonder he loved you so much.”

“My heart just hurts for you every time I see his smiling face pop up, your kids, your videos. We can’t even fathom the strength it’s taken you just to get through this day. Australia is with you and proud of everything Jock brought to the table.”

RELATED: Jock Zonfrillo’s wife shares heartbreaking image of daughter

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Jock Zonfrillo left behind four children, two whom he shared with Lauren, and two daughters from previous marriages. Photo: instagram

Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson go head to head in finale

Tonight’s finale will see Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson compete for $250,000 of prize money and the title of MasterChef Australia winner in what has been the most memorable, most bittersweet season.

Brent will be familiar to fans as he competed in season 13 in 2021. He was also one of the few contestants to ever voluntarily leave the competition.

The chef was struggling with being away from friends and family, and that the pressure of the competition was too much. In a brave move, Brent opted to prioritise his mental health.

He said that exercise and meditation have helped him cope better this time around.

RELATED: Jock Zonfrillo’s special day before shock death

Rhiannon Anderson is at a different stage of her life from her competitor. As a mum of five and a young grandma, Rhiannon decided to focus on her love of cooking and compete on the show to honour her mum who died from ovarian cancer in 2021.

Rhiannon’s mum became a chef when Rhiannon was 11, and before her death, she told her daughter to apply for the show.

Originally published as ‘We’ll be watching the finale together like always… for Jock’