Ten denies ‘false, misleading’ MasterChef claim

Less than three weeks on from popular judge Jock Zonfrillo’s tragic death, Network Ten has rubbished a new report about MasterChef’s future.

Channel 10 has denied it is currently looking for a replacement for Jock Zonfrillo for the next season of MasterChef, following reports there were a series of frontrunners.

A story on the Daily Mail claimed former MasterChef stars Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn, along with well-known TV personality Poh Ling Yeow, were among those being considered for the next season of the long-running cooking show following the sudden death of Zonfrillo earlier this month.

However, in a statement to news.com.au, a Ten spokesperson said: “Casting for the next season of MasterChef Australia has not commenced. To suggest otherwise is completely false and misleading.”

The popular Scottish chef – along with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen – joined MasterChef in 2019, amid a shake-up that saw the exit of longtime judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.

MasterChef Judge Jock Zonfrillo died earlier this month. Picture: Ten

Poh Ling Yeow. Picture: Network Ten

MasterChef 2023 – featuring Zonfrillo – is currently airing, with the next season set to enter pre-production later this year.

Zonfrillo was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room earlier this month at the age of 46, just hours before the new season of MasterChef was set to air.

The popular TV personality had reportedly moved to Rome in the weeks before his death, and had flown back to Australia for the launch of the 15th season of the competition cooking show.

His wife Lauren and their two young children Alfie, 5, and Isla, 2, were still in Rome while Zonfrillo returned to Australia to prepare for the season’s launch.

Zonfrillo and his wife Lauren with their kids, Alfie and Isla. Picture: jockzonfrillo/Instagram

Network 10 and his family made the shock announcement regarding his death on Monday, May 1, while declaring that MasterChef would be postponed for a week due to the judge’s sudden death.

“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,” Zonfrillo’s 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.”