Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef Australia host, found dead at age 46

Jock Zonfrillo, judge on MasterChef Australia, chef and author, has died at the age of 46. His family confirmed his death on Monday, saying “our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend” died on Sunday in Melbourne.

No cause of death was given. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

MasterChef Australia’s new season was due to premiere on Monday night, but Network 10 confirmed that it will not air this week.

“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,” Zonfrillo’s family said in a statement.

“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.”

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who was a guest on the first episode of the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia, wrote on Instagram that he was “in total shock”.

“We had the best time working together for this year’s MasterChef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him!” Oliver wrote. “Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful … Jock will be so very missed … I can’t believe I’m writing this…….”