MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo says starring on the cooking show has improved his mental health and made him a better father
He has made no secret of his struggles with anxiety and stress over the past few years.
And Jock Zonfrillo now says working as a judge at MasterChef Australia has improved his mental health and made him a better father.
The 45-year-old celebrity chef told Now to Love on Wednesday that the filming schedule for the hit Channel 10 cooking show allows him to spend more time with his family.
Jock Zonfrillo says serving as a judge at MasterChef Australia has improved his mental health and made him a better father
“I was used to working every single Christmas, birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve,” he said of his earlier life as a working chef.
“As hospitality workers, we allow everyone else to celebrate these days and as a result we miss out on these celebrations.”
Jock, who was appointed a judge at MasterChef in 2019, shares two children, Alfie, four, and Isla, 18 months, with Lauren Fried, his third wife.
He also has two adult daughters, Ava and Sophie, from previous marriages.
The 45-year-old celebrity chef told Now to Love on Wednesday that the filming schedule for Channel 10’s hit cooking show allows him to spend more time with his family (pictured).
The Scottish-born restaurateur said MasterChef has given him the freedom to enjoy family life because he no longer works nights and weekends.
“I’ve been on MasterChef pretty much my two younger kids’ entire lives,” he said.
Jock also revealed that the show was an opportunity to share his feelings and experiences, particularly as a father, which in turn improved his mental health.
The Scottish-born restaurateur said MasterChef has given him the freedom to enjoy family life because he no longer works nights and weekends
Jock told the Herald Sun last year that eating not only helped him cope with his anxiety but also saved him from ending up in jail or even dying.
“If it wasn’t for the food, I would definitely be behind bars or in a pine box under six feet,” he said.
Jock confessed that after two failed marriages and a breakdown in friendships, he thought something was wrong.
“I had lost a lot, friends and love and marriage and contact with children. It’s too late for a lot of people,” he said.
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Jock (pictured with his wife) also revealed the show was an opportunity to share his feelings and experiences, particularly as a father, which in turn improved his mental health