MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46.
The award-winning chef – who hails from Scotland – was found dead at a house in the heart of Melbourne on Monday morning (May 1).
Police carried out a welfare check in the early hours of the morning when they found the TV personality had passed.
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Victoria Police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, with the devastating news confirmed by Network 10.
(Image: Getty Images)
His family have since confessed their hearts were “shattered” since they learnt of his passing.
They have since released a touching tribute to the late host online, which read: “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.
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told… 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.”
(Image: Banijay Rights Limited)
The added: “We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate though this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.”
Zonfrillo had worked with world-famous chefs from all around the world before he launching his own version of the programme in Australia.
After the news of his death hit the headlines, Gordon Ramsay, Australian singer Jimmy Barnes and fellow chef Colin Fassnidge led tributes online.
Ramsay wrote: “Saddened by the devastating news… I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef Australia.”
(Image: WireImage)
Hitmaker Jimmy Barnes chimed in with: “Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry.”
MasterChef Australia echoed: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family.
“Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week.”
(Image: Daily Record)
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Back in 2020, Zonfrillo confessed how being given a job as a cook for celebrity chef Marco Pierre White had saved his life.
He said he would have been in a “pine box” if he hadn’t been taken on as a 17-year-old trainee at the food legend’s award-winning restaurant.
Jock explained how he was at rock bottom after he was fired from a kitchen due to a drug problem.
But the hunk was given a second chance after he knocked on the door of Pierre White’s London eatery at the capital’s Hyde Park Hotel.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
