Rosario Monachino
MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has sadly died aged 46.
Zonfrillo learnt his trade under Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White before establishing himself as the head chef at Restaurant 41 in Sydney in 2000.
The Scottish chef later opened his own eatery – Restaurant Orana – in 2013.
Devastatingly, his family have now shared some tragic news.
Watch Jock Zonfrillo show how to debone a fish below…
They have revealed that Zonfrillo suddenly passed away.
A statement shared by his family on Instagram reads: “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, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words.
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“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.”
His cause of death is yet to be confirmed, although, the police are not treating it as suspicious.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and his four children Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.
The news of his death was announced on the day that the 2023 season of MasterChef was scheduled to be aired.
However, the pre-recorded show will not premiere this week.
The Scottish chef started working in kitchens as a dishwasher when he was 13 years old – before dropping out of school to start an apprenticeship at the Turnberry Hotel.
He later got a job at Marco Pierre White’s restaurant in London when he was 17.
Despite his successful career, Zonfrillo opened up about his struggles in his 2021 memoir ‘Last Shot’ – where he candidly speaks about being homeless and addicted to heroin in his teenage years.
He revealed that he turned his life around when he moved to Australia in 2000 and went on to open a number of eateries.
His most successful restaurant was Restaurant Orana which opened in 2013.
In 2019, he was announced as a judge on the brand new show MasterChef Australia.
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Gordon Ramsay has paid tribute to his fellow MasterChef judge by tweeting: “Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing.
“I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx.”
Network 10, the studio that airs MasterChef Australia, said in a statement: “Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured.
“He will be greatly missed.”
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Chef Nigella Lawson has also paid tribute by writing: “My deepest, deepest sympathies and much love to Jock’s family and friends. How devastating. How unbearable. My heart goes out to you.”
Fans have paid their respects too, with one person sharing: “Just absolutely devastating news!
“Eminently talented and charming Jock’s warmth made the show, and his braveness in sharing his past struggles inspired so many!! We will miss you! ”
“Extremely sad and completely shocked, my heartfelt condolences to his family during this extremely difficult time,” pens someone else.
A third person adds: “My heart breaks for his family. I hope they get lots of love, support and help through this.”
Our thoughts are with Zonfrillo’s family and friends during this time. RIP.
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