Jock Zonfrillo tells MasterChef contestant to ‘calm down’ during stressful service challenge

Judge Jock Zonfrillo tells a MasterChef star to “calm down” as he struggles to compose himself during a stressful cook tonight.

MasterChef frontrunner Pete finds himself in a tizz during a high-pressure cook in tonight’s episode.

The 36-year-old tattoo artist from NSW has been impressing the judges with his sophisticated dishes and high skill level all season, but in a clip provided to news.com.au, looks as though he could be coming undone.

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Could tonight’s challenge spell the end for Pete? Picture: Channel 10

Cooking with Kishwar, Linda, Justin, Sabina and Elise, Pete is asked to lead a menu for fine dining restaurant Society, but struggles while slicing celeriac for his dish.

Noticing his state, celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo tells him he’s doing well for time.

“I think you’re on top of it, you’re just a bit manic. I need you to calm down,” the judge says.

The stern pep talk appears to work, with Pete charging ahead to complete his dish.

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Jock attempted to calm Pete down, telling him he looked ‘manic’. Picture: Channel 10

MasterChef fans are often commenting on how frustrating it must be having the judges loiter around the benchtops during cooks.

Even more so when they offer up unhelpful advice to the already-stressed contestants.

During an episode earlier this season, eliminated contestant Conor had just about enough of Jock’s observations.

Plating up his dish with noticeably shaky hands, Jock exclaimed: “Look at that shake!” prompting fellow MasterChef judge Andy Allen to ask if he was OK.

“It’s you! Every time you make me so nervous Jock,” Conor responded rather curtly.

Attempting to quell his nerves, Melissa Leong told him: “It’s OK,” as the judges stepped forward to taste.

Judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo often drop in on the contestants while they’re madly rushing to finish. Picture: Channel 10

Not only is Jock often the judge putting contestants on edge — or taking the edge off — during stressful situations, he’s gained a reputation as the biggest eater on set.

Melissa Leong opened up to news.com.au about the Scottish chef’s “freakish” habit, revealing he will often consume a full 18-course tasting followed by an enormous order of takeaway.

“His ability to consume food on a constant rapid pace … frustrates the hell out of everybody,” Melissa said.

“If he doesn’t eat he loses weight rapidly. He’s a freak,” she explained.

“He’s a freak in the best possible way. His metabolism should be studied, because he can do a full tasting of 18 different courses throughout the day but still eat an entire bucket of fried chicken and a box or two of chips or several containers worth of dumplings on a lunch break; it’s quite a thing to behold.”

As for whether Jock’s words of encouragement work for Pete during tonight’s challenge, we’ll find out after 7.30.

MasterChef Australia continues tonight from 7.30pm on Channel 10.

Originally published as Jock Zonfrillo tells MasterChef contestant to ‘calm down’ during stressful service challenge