The widow of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has made an emotional post as the finale of the show featuring the late chef airs.
Lauren Fried, the mother of his two youngest children, said the family would watch Sunday night’s grand finale together, despite the sadness they all feel.
She urged fans to watch and enjoy.
She said the family had not been able to watch this season so far, but wanted to try to watch the finale together.
She said she had received many messages about today being a sad day, bust said MasterChef was “something he loved doing.”
“Yes, it is sad, but it something he loved doing,” she said in the Instagram post
“This is not the end of Jock at all. We have so many recipes of Jock, of travel, of family stuff.
“There’s a lot of happiness and pride for Jock. So enjoy the finale.”
Jamie Oliver, previous contestants and the family of Zonfrillo’s mate Jimmy Barnes liked the post.
MasterChef’s final two contestants Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson are battling it out in the two-part grand finale on Sunday night.
The first round was a choice of the judges surprises: Andy’s surprise mystery box with 11 ingredients, Mel’s secret challenge and a cloche with a secret ingredient selected by Jock.
Jock’s secret ingredient of green ants was rejected first by Brent, before Rhiannon knocked back Andy’s mystery box which included wallaby, green mango and blue cheese.
The cooks were given 75 minutes to create “a dish that tells a story” worth a total of 30 points. Draper scored 29 out of 30, while Anderson scored 25.
The made it through 10 weeks of competition, emerging as the final two out of 18 contestants.
Draper was a surprise return to the show this year, after pulling out of the 2021 series to address mental health issues. But he came back and quickly emerged as a favourite to take out the title.
Anderson at 46 was one of the older contestant, but became a fan favourite with her straight forward approach and north Queensland personality.
Season 15 started a week later than planned after the shock death of Zonfrillo, which was announced on the day the Secrets and Surprises series was due to launch on May 1.
Guest chefs included Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Curtis Stone, Maggie Beer and Josh Nyland.
Ten is not expected to decide on who will replace Zonfrillo until later this year. Ads have been running for the contestants for next season.
Tonight, whichever cook scores the most points across two rounds will lift the trophy aloft, claiming $250,000 in prize money, and the title of MasterChef Australia winner, 2023. Let’s look at our two contenders.
On the day the 15th season of the popular Ten program was due to morning air on May 1, it was announced tha the 46-year-old chef had died suddenly.
The father of four was found dead in a hotel room in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton after they were called to make a welfare check.
“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,” his 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.
“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.”
Tributes poured in from all over the world for the late chef.
“I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. We had the best time working together for this years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him!” Jamie Oliver said on Instagram.
“Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful … Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style … Jock will be so very missed … I can’t believe I’m writing this…”
“Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo‘s passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia,” Gordon Ramsay said on Twitter.
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