Could Melissa Leong and Andy Allen host MasterChef on their own?

Charismatic chef Jock Zonfrillo may prove to be irreplaceable, with rumours suggesting MasterChef could go into its 2024 season with only two judges.

MasterChef judges Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen. Picture: Ten

The large void left on MasterChef by charismatic chef Jock Zonfrillo may be impossible for Channel 10 to fill, with whispers the show could go into its 2024 season with just two judges.

The challenging process of finding a food star to fill the gap left in the show’s judging panel following Zonfrillo’s sudden death in April is yet to start.

It is not expected to begin until well after the current season of MasterChef has finished airing, as a mark of respect to Zonfrillo who was found dead in his hotel room in Carlton on April 30.

But while 10 is expected in the coming months to see who might be a good fit for the show, a rumour bubbled this week that if the right person could not be found the show might move into its 2024 season with Andy Allen and Melissa Leong being joined by a rotating roster of guest judges rather than a permanent third judge being anointed.

While it is just a rumour at this stage, it is food for thought. Zonfrillo was undoubtedly unique; a gifted, top class chef with natural TV talent that had been shaped and finessed before the MasterChef opportunity came his way.