Jock Zonfrillo was given the final word on the grand finale of the 2023 season of MasterChef Australia, which was overshadowed by the chef and judge’s shocking death on the eve of the season’s premiere.
MasterChef’s final two contestants Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson battled it out in the two-part grand finale on Sunday night.
Draper took out the win, but the final moments of the show were devoted to Zonfrillo with a montage of his five years on the show, before he uttered his catchphrase: “ For the last time – go home, have a cup of tea and be kind to each other.”
The final ended with a montage of Zonfrillo’s moments over the three years he had been a judge, before a picture of the cast and crew was projected on the screen.
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, but said MasterChef was “something he loved doing.”
“Yes, it is sad, but it is 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.
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.
They 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 contestants but became a fan favourite with her straightforward 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.
On the day the 15th season of the popular Ten program was due to morning air on May 1, it was announced that 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 year’s 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 their 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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