‘Bittersweet’: Australia says final farewell to Jock Zonfrillo in MasterChef finale

Lauren Zonfrillo has posted an emotional video ahead of tonight’s MasterChef finale – the last time her late husband and judge Jock will appear on the show. See her message.

An emotional Lauren Zonfrillo has urged fans to tune into tonight’s MasterChef Grand Finale, saying that the show was something her late husband loved doing.

Lauren – who has taken over her late husband’s social media since his sudden death in April – also said in the Instagram post a few hours ahead of the finale airing that she and Jock’s children were going to try and watch the finale.

“We haven’t been able to watch this season just yet – that is something we will do,” she said.

“But we felt that tonight was an important one to watch like most families there are moments across the year that are special and we used to really enjoy watching the finale together.

“It was something Jock was really proud of. It was a job he really loved doing. And so we’ve decided that we’re going to honor that and we’re going to keep doing what we would normally do and watch the finale together.”

Lauren added that she’d been inundated with sad messages from people.

“So I just wanted to get on here and say, yes, it is sad,” she said, through tears. “but this is something he loved doing and this is not the end of the line for Jock at all.

“We have so many wonderful recipes of Jock, having fun, of travel and family stuff that I would love to share with everyone.

“And it’s very much a way that I can find meaning through all of this.

She added, after a short pause, more composed: “I really wanted to do this without editing, but I needed to take a minute. Thank you, everyone. I’ve loved the messages I’ve received today.

“Of course it’s made me sad, but from that comes a lot of happiness and pride for Jock. So enjoy the finale.”

Jock Zonfrillo and Jamie Oliver. Picture: Facebook

British chef Jamie Oliver – who appeared in the opening episode of the season – was one of many who commented on her post saying “Thinking of you all today … amazing message”.

Other fans sent their love to Lauren, and their children, Alfie, 5 and Isla 2, and his daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages.

One said: “Loz you are surrounded by so much love from the MasterChef fans all over. Thank you for allowing us to watch Jock and we celebrate tonight the wonderful man of @Zonfrillo. I can see why Jock fell in love with you. You are one very special lady.”

Another said: “My heart breaks for you Loz. You are a courageous woman to do what you are doing on his account and to keep his memory alive. I haven’t been able to watch MC for this reason but in time I will as I love food, but I will get to see Jock in his element again.”

Jock Zonfrillo and wife Lauren and kids Alfie and Isla. Picture: jockzonfrillo/facebook

MasterChef fans have already flocked to social media to express their mixed emotions ahead of tonight’s Grand Finale.

The final two contestants Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson are set to compete for the title of the cooking show in this current season of MasterChef which has been challenging for the cast and viewers alike, with the shock death of beloved judge Jock Zonfrillo just one day before it was due to start airing.

The charismatic and award-winning chef had finished filming the season before his death, making this a bittersweet watch for fans of the franchise, especially with the realisation that this would be the last time they’d see Zonfrillo on Ten’s flagship cooking show.

One posted “after the final show his death will be a reality we’ve been trying to ignore. Goodbye Jock, gone but not forgotten. Love to your wife and family.”

Another wrote: “It’s been bittersweet this year. I lost my mum in February last year and MasterChef was our favorite show and my mum adored Jock. During lockdowns MasterChef became our beacon as mum lived in NSW and I’m in Victoria. Jock gave us so much joy during such a difficult time When news broke of Jock’s passing, in so desperately wanted to call my mum The final will be full of emotions knowing this will be the last time we’ll see our beloved Jock on MasterChef. But also reality will come crashing down finally realizing what we’ve lost My condolences to Jock’s family and friends. And thank you mate for helping and mother and daughter get through covid lockdowns.”

And another: “I have had many tears over this season of Masterchef. But especially this week with letters from home. Seeing Jock’s raw emotion for the contestants, broke me. And Jock in his full Scottish Kit for the semi - heartbreaking. He looked so dapper. It seemed to bring out his full Glaswegian accent too. Let’s give it up for Jock everybody. Be kind to yourself and have a cup of tea. RIP Jock.”

But others spoke of their struggle to watch Zonfrillo at all this season.

One writing: “I have been a avid viewer of MasterChef. This year I have not watched a single episode except the 1st one I have them all taped may watch later on.”

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

He was larger than life, a genius chef who wore his heart on his sleeve as the consummate cooking show mentor.

But tonight Australia will say a final farewell to Jock Zonfrillo as MasterChef judge on the small screen, as the competition hits its crescendo.

It has been a bittersweet few months of watching, following the Glaswegian’s shock death in April and fans, production crew and contestants – including the two finalists Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson – will wrestle emotionally.

Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson are the 2023 MasterChef Australia 's Top two. Picture: Ten

Draper has especially struggled with losing his mentor, who died in Melbourne just hours before this 15th season of MasterChef was to premiere.

The former tradie – who quit the show in 2021 recognising he needed to prioritise his mental health – had formed strong bonds with the award-winning chef, who had always been open about his own battles with anxiety, clutching worry beads during filming and memorably handing Draper his own set when he left.

Brent Draper with Jock Zonfrillo on his first stint on MasterChef in 2021. Picture: Supplied

“Yeah, losing Jock has been really hard for me and it’s made me reflect on my journey with him and what he means to me,” Draper said.

“Jock was and is such an inspiration. The biggest thing he’s taught me is that in life we have to give more than what we take which I really try to do every single day of my life.

Draper admits it has been surreal — and in some moments, rather difficult — watching the series back.

“It’s taken a bit to adjust to that but I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. Jock loved MasterChef, that was his last legacy and I think that this has been a very special season because it’s the last time we’ll get to see him do what he did best, outside of being a husband to Loz and a Dad to the kids.”

Anderson, who also felt “completely blessed and honoured” to have been mentored by Zonfrillo, said she was initially conflicted as to whether Channel 10 should air her season.

But she said she had been comforted watching and remembering how amazing he was.

Rhiannon Anderson chats with Jock Zonfrillo mid cook in the 15th season. Picture: Channel 10

“When the first episode came on it was so lovely to see Jock and because there was so much joy in the episode, it gave me a calmness I didn’t expect,” she said.

MasterChef viewers have also flocked to social media expressing their mixed emotions in the lead-up to Sunday’s Grand Finale.

One posted “The emotion of last night’s episode also made me realise that this is not only finals week but our farewell to Jock week. The last episode is going to be very emotional viewing.”

Jock Zonfrillo and wife Lauren and kids Alfie and Isla. Picture: Facebook

It’s not the last we will see of Zonfrillo.

His wife Lauren has taken over the father-of-four’s social media, after asking fans for advice on next steps one month after her husband’s sudden passing.

“He’s got a lot of behind-the-scenes interviews and photos from MasterChef, he’s got books, a fashion range, he’s got spirits ageing in a distillery in Tassie, he’s got a TV show he filmed in Italy last year with the family,” she said at the time.

Lauren, who is the mother of Zonfrillo’s two youngest children, Alfie, 5, and Isla, 2, has since continued to post sweet tributes and memories of her husband.

Ten is yet to make an announcement on how they will fill the large void left by Zonfrillo for future seasons of their flagship cooking show.

MasterChef Australia Grand Finale, Sunday, 7.30pm, Ten 

Originally published as ‘Bittersweet’: Australia says final farewell to Jock Zonfrillo in MasterChef finale