MasterChef judge Andy Allen opens up about grief following death of Jock Zonfrillo

MasterChef judge Andy Allen says grieving the loss of Jock Zonfrillo will be a “forever process” after his co-star was laid to rest in a private funeral.

MasterChef judge Andy Allen has opened up about his grief following the death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo.

Zonfrillo, 46, was found dead in a Carlton hotel room last month, just hours before the new season of MasterChef was set to air.

In social media post shared on Thursday night, Allen said the past few weeks had been the “hardest”.

“Grieving the loss of Jock will no doubt be a forever process,” he said.

Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo’s wife Lauren carrying the chef’s casket after the funeral. Picture: Julian And

“The last couple of weeks have been the hardest there have ever been.

“However reading the thousands of messages of support from family, friends and those who didn’t personally know Jock but loved him all the same, has been overwhelming and helped not only me but I’m sure others cope with the tough times.”

In another post, Allen said Zonfrillo was an inspiration.

“You’ve become such an inspirational and important part of our lives,” he said.

Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo. Picture: Sam Tabone

“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.

“Thanks for making me constantly laugh and being there when I needed to cry.

“You really were the complete package mate and life will never be the same without you.”

It comes as Allen carried Zonfrillo’s casket at his private funeral in Sydney on May 13.

The casket was covered with white orchards and the Royal Banner of Scotland – a tribute to the chef’s Scottish heritage.

Zonfrillo leaves behind wife Lauren and his four children Ava, Sophia, Alfie and Isla.