‘The Project’ Aired An Emotional Dedication To Jock Zonfrillo And We’re All Crying
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.
From the moment they became MasterChef judges, Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen became close friends. Still reeling from his sudden loss, Andy sat down with The Project and told us about his favourite memories and what he will miss most. pic.twitter.com/Y8wZylOcSe
— The Project (@theprojecttv) May 7, 2023
“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.
Mine isn’t the top shelf Scottish stuff, and it’s mixed with Coke, but here’s to Jock. R.I.P. #MasterChefAU #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/r1Uu9llN6l
— Anouska (@AnouskaHaaket) May 7, 2023
A perfect tribute to Jock #theprojecttv
Thoughts with his family and loved ones. Thank you for letting us celebrate Jock with the latest season of #MasterChefAU
— Nez (@fraggle73) May 7, 2023
Watching #theprojecttv tribute to Jock Zonfrillo before #MasterChefAU. It’s beautiful but tough. A tear or two has mixed in with the scotch.
— Just Sue.🇺🇦 (@SueKennedy19) May 7, 2023
Huge props to Andy for being so brave, vulnerable, and talking about Jock. #theprojecttv
— Tina (@Tiinaaa97) May 7, 2023
Hats off to Andy Allen saying he's not okay #theprojecttv #MasterChef2023
— Murph (@Timthwaites1) May 7, 2023
It's still hard to process that we're watching a Jock Zonfrillo tribute… that he is gone. #MasterChefAU #TheProjectTV
— Alicia Vrajlal (@LeeshieV) May 7, 2023
When @masterchefau contestant Brent decided to leave the show to care for his mental health, #JockZonfrillo stepped up and gave us an insight into his deeply compassionate, empathetic and raw soul
What a loss
His poor wife and kids, so terribly sad#TheProjectTV #MasterChefAU https://t.co/Ab126FtgwW
— DarrenWheels (@DarrenWheels) May 7, 2023
On a personal note I would like to thank Jock’s family in allowing the screening of MasterChef to go ahead,I think we all need to remember Jock and say goodbye. #theprojecttv. Ian
— Ian Graves. #JusticeForCassius #VoteYes (@xskinn) May 7, 2023
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’.
The last time Jimmy Barnes sang the traditional Scottish song 'The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' was with his fellow Scot Jock Zonfrillo. Tonight, he sings it in tribute to his great mate. pic.twitter.com/R5StJjp3Dy
— The Project (@theprojecttv) May 7, 2023
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