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‘The Project’ Aired An Emotional Dedication To Jock Zonfrillo And We’re All Crying

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Before the premiere of MasterChef Australia last night, The Project aired a special dedication episode to MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo, who tragically passed away on May 1, aged 46.

The emotional special episode paid tribute to the iconic chef and TV judge, with tributes from fellow celebrity chefs, as well as a heartbreaking interview with MasterChef judge and good friend, Andy Allen.

Sitting down with Sarah Harris, Andy talked about how he had lunch with Jock the day before his death, tearing up as he remembered one of his best mates.

“He’s just always been there for me, and I’m just struggling to realise that he’s actually gone,” he said.

“We hadn’t seen each other for a while, it was a good old catch-up about what we’ve been doing, what we were excited about,” Allen said of Zonfrillo, who had recently relocated to Rome with his family but was back in the country for the premiere of Season 15 of MasterChef.

“It was so normal, he was in such good spirits. He was so excited about the show launching.”

Allen also said Jock’s family was extremely appreciative of the support and kindness shown their way during this difficult time.

“They’ve been overwhelmed with how much support there has been for him and the family,” he said. “It’s been unreal to see how much support and where it’s come from and who it’s come from. So, yeah, they just wanted to – for me to say that they feel it. They feel it. It’s tough. But they feel it.”

Fans of MasterChef paid tribute to Jock as the emotional episode aired, and commended Andy for his interview.

The Project closed the tribute to Jock with a moving tribute from his friend Jimmy Barnes, who sang traditional Scottish song ‘The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’.

You can watch the full tribute episode to Jock Zonfrillo here