MasterChef judge Andy Allen pays tribute to late co-star Jock Zonfrillo in first televised interview since his death from shock
MasterChef judge Andy Allen will pay tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo during a special episode of The Project on Sunday.
The esteemed chef, 35, was heartbroken after his beloved co-star Zonfrillo tragically died aged 46 last week.
It will be Allen’s first interview since Monday’s shock news that Zonfrillo was found dead in Melbourne, just hours before the premiere of MasterChef.
Channel Ten said in a statement that Allen will be one of “many of the world’s most celebrated chefs” paying tribute to Zonfrillo in The Project.
Zonfrillo’s death on April 30 was particularly hard on Andy as it was to be a celebratory day for him as it was his 35th birthday.
MasterChef judge Andy Allen will speak about the shock death of his co-star Jock Zonfrillo (pictured together) on a special episode of The Project on Sunday
The interview will air at 6:30 p.m. in time slot ahead of the postponed MasterChef premiere on Sunday.
Andy paid tribute to Jock on Instagram last week, writing, “You’ve taught me so much about food but it’s the lessons I’ve learned about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I love from ours will take time together and will last forever.’
The show’s 15th season was due to start on May 1 but was postponed after the Scottish chef was found dead by police at a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air Sunday 7 May at 7.30pm,” read a Channel 10 statement shared to Instagram on Wednesday.
“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and generous judge and chef we knew and loved,” it continued.
‘Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.’
The esteemed chef, 35, was heartbroken after his beloved co-star Jock, 46, tragically died last week
The show’s 15th season was due to start on May 1 but was postponed after the Scottish chef was found dead by police at a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday
The network added that a special edition of The Sunday Project will pay tribute to Jock on Sunday from 6.30pm before the new series airs.
“With contributions from friends he captured, the show will honor Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life and celebrating his incredible achievements,” the statement continued.
Production on the 62-episode season wrapped up last month at MasterChef’s headquarters in Flemington, Melbourne.
MasterChef Australia premieres Sunday May 7th at 7:30pm on Channel 10
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air Sunday 7 May at 7.30pm,” read a Channel 10 statement shared to Instagram on Wednesday