Melissa Leong’s heartbreaking post about MasterChef premiere

Jock Zonfrillo’s MasterChef co-stars Melissa Leong and Andy Allen are “devastated and broken” by his sudden and shocking death.

MasterChef judge Melissa Leong was today excitedly posting about Monday’s planned season premiere – unaware that her fellow judge Jock Zonfrillo had died a day earlier.

It has now been revealed that she — along with MasterChef co-star Andy Allen — is “devastated and broken” by Zonflillo’s tragic and sudden death.

Speaking on The Project on Monday night, Network 10’s entertainment editor Angela Bishop said the pair were “trying to process the news”.

“They would work 16 hours days together for MasterChef, you couldn’t find closer work mates and confidantes,” she said.

“They are devastated, ‘broken’ is the word descried to me, they are trying to process this news.”

News of Zonfrillo’s tragic death at the age of 46 was made public shortly after 2pm on Monday, just over five hours before the 15th season of MasterChef Australia was due to commence. No cause of death has yet been publicly released.

Leong and guest judge Jamie Oliver promoted the season premiere on their Instagram accounts today, with Oliver sharing a selfie of the judging panel taken by Zonfrillo, calling he, Leong and fellow judge Andy Allen his “new buds.”

Melissa Leong via Instagram today.

Melissa Leong via her Instagram.

Leong re-shared the post, along with a countdown to the now-delayed season premiere. “Tonight, we’re back with a brand new pal!” she wrote.

Ten today announced that MasterChef’s new season will instead premiere in a week’s time.

Leong also today also shared another shot from the premiere with her 335,000 followers, telling them: “IT’S FINALLY HERE! A BRAND NEW SEASON OF @masterchefau airs TONIGHT!”

Leong also spoke about Zonfrillo in a radio interview that aired on Monday morning to promote the premiere.

Speaking on HIT WA Breakfast with Allan and Carly, she said that “over the years I used to be a very competitive eater, especially with Jock. I learned very quickly not to try to keep up with Jock because you will lose. He has hollow legs and can eat at a rate and a volume that defies physics, logic and science.”

Hours after that interview aired, Ten issued a media release announcing Zonfrillo’s passing, along with a devastating statement from his family.

“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,” the family’s statement read.

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

“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.”

Zonfrillo, Allen and Leong were launched as MasterChef’s all-new judging panel for season 12 back in 2020, revitalising the series and lifting its ratings after previous judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston exited the show.

From there, the popular trio appeared across several seasons of the show, and spin-offs Junior MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef.

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife Lauren and children Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla, from his marriage to Lauren.

Originally published as Melissa Leong’s heartbreaking post about MasterChef premiere