A popular Scottish TV presenter and former chef who’s best known as a judge on ‘MasterChef Australia,’ Jock Zonfrillo left us for his heavenly abode.
Zonfrillo passed away on 30 April in Melbourne. The tragic news of his demise was announced via a social media statement. The official Instagram account of the former chef 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. 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.”
The Post further reads “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.”
The heartbreaking news came in light hours before the new season of MasterChef Australia was supposed to premiere. For those unversed, the show was supposed to be released on Monday night, however, now it will not air this week.
As of now, there is no information about the cause of his death.
If you’re unfamiliar, let us tell you, Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother and began working at The Turnberry Hotel when he was 15 years old. As per reports, when Jock was 17, he started working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White.
Zonfrillo moved to Australia and opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide, the latter of which won numerous culinary awards.
He lived a colorful and contentious life. In 2002, he allegedly set fire to an apprentice in his restaurant for working too slowly. A court awarded damages, but he was declared bankrupt in 2007 after failing to pay.
Our deepest condolences with the family and loved-ones of Jock Zonfrillo. May his departed soul rest in peace!