MasterChef host and judge Jock Zonfrillo died at the age of 46

Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef Australia host and judge, died on April 30 in Melbourne at the age of 46. His death was announced in an Instagram post by his relatives.

Jock was born in 1976 in Glasgow, Scotland. In London, he worked with chef Marco Pierre White before moving to Australia in 1999. In his memoir, Last Shot, published last year, the chef acknowledged using heroin as a teenager in Scotland as well as struggling with drug addiction as he progressed through the culinary ranks. Lauren Fried, Jock’s wife, and their four children survive him.

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As of now, no cause of death has been disclosed. The launch of the 15th season, featuring guest judge Jamie Oliver, was scheduled for May 1 but has been postponed, according to Network 10, which produces the show in Australia.

Jock’s family shared a statement on his Instagram account. It 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, and 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.”

“Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family,” the channel said on Twitter.

The 15th season premiere of MasterChef Australia, with guest judge Jamie Oliver, has been postponed, according to Network 10, which produces the show “MasterChef Australia”.