MasterChef Australia guest judge Jamie Oliver reveals moving secret

MasterChef guest judge Jamie Oliver shared some personal news about with an emotional contestant in Sunday’s season premiere.

MasterChef Australia guest judge Jamie Oliver dropped a secret about his home life to one contestant during Sunday’s delayed season premiere.

The MasterChef premiere had been delayed following the tragic news on Monday that judge Jock Zonfrillo had died in Melbourne at the age of 46.

Fans and those in the media and food industries were left reeling by the sudden death of the much-loved TV chef, but on Wednesday Ten announced the season would air from Sunday with the full support of Zonfrillo’s family.

In one of the premiere’s more emotional scenes, South Australian stay-at-home mum Larissa Sewell presented the judges with a dish that honoured her Ukrainian and Russian heritage.

Larissa’s biggest influence has been her beloved babushka, who passed down recipes and traditions that informed her cooking.

Larissa’s dish combines Russian and Ukrainian cuisine.

Presenting her dish of borscht and pampushky to the judges, Larissa could barely contain her emotion as Melissa Leong delivered her verdict.

“Larissa. I can see the energy and the emotion bubbling just under your eyes,” Leong said.

“I’m just super-overwhelmed and so grateful to be here representing my culture. To be able to cook this for you, it means so much to me to feed you food that I grew up on, and food that my babushka loved on me with,” Larissa said.

MasterChef judge Melissa Leong weighs in.

MasterChef contestant Larissa in Monday’s premiere.

Leong said she could feel that emotion – not just from Larissa herself, but from “all of the history and culture that’s in this bowl of food”.

“This dish is just so beautifully complex, rich and layered and skilled. This is the exceptional food that we’re looking for,” she said.

Then it was Oliver’s turn to give his verdict on the dish.

MasterChef judge Jamie Oliver shares a secret.

“With things going on in the world at the moment, it’s kind of profound that you’re here with a Russian and Ukrainian dish,” he began.

“Can I give you a little secret, that no-one really knows? I’ve had two Ukrainian families living with me for the last seven months. I’ve had my fair share of borscht! And this is absolutely delicious,” he said.

Oliver’s correct in stating that this is something of a secret: While he has publicly spoken out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supporting the charity Cook for Ukraine, he does not appear to have previously spoken publicly about taking in Ukrainian families.

Meanwhile, many MasterChef fans had this week voiced their mixed feelings about tuning in to the show this season, while still reeling from the death of Zonfrillo, who will appear in the entire season.

Tonight's episode ended with a simple but moving tribute to Jock Zonfrillo. Picture: Channel 10

But one fan had a suggestion that was soon embraced by many others: Raising a glass of whiskey to toast the late Scot’s life and achievements as they sat down to watch at 7:30pm on Sunday.

The episode ended with a simple but moving tribute to Zonfrillo after the credits rolled, with a photo of the beloved chef appearing alongside the words: “For Jock Zonfrillo. Thank you for giving us all your wisdom, kindness and humour. We were lucky to have been around you, but for too brief a time. Love forever, the MasterChef family”.

MasterChef Australia continues 7.30pm Monday on Ten