Jock Zonfrillo’s widow Lauren Fried has reacted to the new cast of MasterChef Australia after Melissa Leong left the Channel Ten cooking series.
The upcoming sixteenth season will feature three new judges – series alum Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin – alongside returning host Andy Allen.
Following the announcement, Fried shared on Instagram that Zonfrillo was “very happy” with the new lineup – which no longer includes Leong.
Her remark sparked speculation that Zonfrillo, who died of natural causes on April 30 at the age of 46, did not get along with Leong behind the scenes.
In a lengthy post, Fried raved about Allen’s return to the franchise and congratulated Ling Yeow and Novelli on their new roles, but – somewhat tellingly – made no mention of Leong’s departure or her four years on the series.
“This would make Jock incredibly happy – @andyallencooks came into our lives unexpectedly four years ago.” “He quickly became best friends with Jock, shared a passion for food and fun and was someone who cared deeply about our family.” , she began.
Jock Zonfrillo’s widow Lauren Fried (pictured together) has reacted to the new cast of MasterChef Australia following Melissa Leong’s exit from the Channel Ten cooking series
Following the announcement, Fried shared on Instagram that Zonfrillo was “very happy” with the new lineup – which no longer includes Leong. Her remark sparked speculation that Zonfrillo, who died of natural causes on April 30 at the age of 46, did not get along with Leong behind the scenes.
“Andy went back into the MasterChef kitchen seven months ago to film his entry for Jock’s tribute show, literally just hours after I called him to tell him the news.” “He did this for Ava and me done, for Jock and as a gift for our little ones so they can take care of it in the future.”
She went on to say that Zonfrillo would be “super proud” if Allen “went back into the Masterchef kitchen now with three new talented and friendly judges.”
She also appeared to take another swipe at Leong when she said that the new cast “respect the privilege of being part of an extraordinary show.”
She continued: “This is a group of people who respect the privilege of being part of such an extraordinary show. They know they are stronger together than as individuals, and they want to help participants turn their food career dreams into a reality.’
“You all have my absolute support – all I ask is that you continue to piss Andy off, make him coffee so strong he walks onto the set shaking and take him for a round of golf to blow off some steam.” , and that you beat him in all the cooking competitions.’
She added: “Let’s make 2024 the best season of @masterchefau yet – meet the judges, support the contestants and keep cooking!”
The announcement of the new line-up follows rumors of tension between the three judges.
When Leong did not attend The Sunday Project’s moving tribute to Zonfrillo a week after his shocking death at the age of 46, eyebrows were raised.
Following the announcement, Lauren shared on Instagram that Jock would be “very happy” with the new line-up, despite rumors of tension between her late husband Leong and Allen
Allen and renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Curtis Stone shared their memories in the heartbreaking special.
Noticeably absent was Zonfrillo’s co-star Leong, who did not appear on the show.
“There was a very emotional tribute from Andy to The Project and it was surprising that Melissa wasn’t sitting next to him,” an insider tells Chron Australia.
“You would have thought they would take on the media together.” Especially since the company said they were all best friends.
“It was quite strange that Melissa went into hiding during this time, and yet it was quite wise to uphold her decision to leave the program until now.”
A few weeks after The Project special, Leong explained that the grieving process is quiet for her after she was criticized for not attending a special tribute to her late co-star.
“We all deal with loss differently, and we have to respect that,” she wrote in a column for Stellar magazine.
“Some people need to speak to process emotions, while others need more time to find the words, if they can at all,” she continued.
“Some people need to be around people, while others need time alone to stare at a wall, clean non-stop, or sleep.
The new line-up follows rumors of tension between Andy, Melissa and the late Jock
“There is no right or wrong way to be in these moments, only what stays true to you.”
Leong’s absence from the special program also caused a stir among fans of the cooking show.
“Is it weird that Melissa isn’t there?” one person asked on Twitter, to which several others responded.
“It’s a bit, yeah…” one person agreed, but others thought otherwise.
‘NO? Everyone grieves differently. It might be too early for her to say anything/open up. “I hope she’s okay,” one said.
Another wrote: “Andy has had enough fighting. I think Melissa just couldn’t do it. “Everyone grieves differently and people only talk about their grief when they are ready (if at all).”
Someone else said: “Not at all.” “If you’re not capable of doing it, you can’t do it,” while another agreed: “I don’t think she could do it.” She was shocked.
“Maybe she’s still processing it and it would be too much for her,” said another.
When Leong did not attend The Sunday Project’s moving tribute to Zonfrillo a week after his shocking death at the age of 46, eyebrows were raised
Leong’s departure from the cooking show was announced on Monday – just a day before Channel Ten unveiled its 2024 schedule at its Upfronts presentation.
She will be the host of a MasterChef spin-off series called Dessert Masters.
Popular judge Zonfrillo died in his hotel room at Zagame’s House on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne.
He was found by police at around 2am on Monday May 1, the same day Channel Ten was due to premiere the fifteenth season of MasterChef Australia.
He is survived by his third wife, Lauren, and his four children: adult daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla with Lauren.
A few weeks after The Project special, Leong explained that the grieving process is quiet for her after she was criticized for not attending a special tribute to her late co-star