MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen paid tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo during a special episode of The Sunday Project.
In his first interview since the shocking news, Allen, 35, sat down with Sarah Harris and revealed the devastating impact Zonfrillo’s death had on him.
The former MasterChef winner turned judge was heartbroken following the tragic death of his beloved co-star last week at the age of 46.
“I mean I’m fine, but I’m not great,” Allen told Harris.
“It hit me like a ton of bricks. He’s the heart and soul of this place…I’m just having a hard time realizing he’s really gone.
Allen went on to say that being on the set of MasterChef without Zonfrillo was weird, before detailing the last time he saw him.
MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen (pictured) paid tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo during a special episode of The Sunday Project
In his first interview since the shocking news, Allen, 35, sat down with Sarah Harris and revealed the devastating impact Zonfrillo’s death had on him. Pictured: Allen and Harris
Recalling their last lunch together, he said: “We went to Tippo. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, it was good old fashioned catching up on what we were doing, what we were passionate about.
Zonfrillo and his family had recently moved to Rome, with Judge MasterChef returning to Melbourne solo for the show’s premiere.
Andy revealed that Zonfrillo was looking forward to returning to Rome and starting a new life with his family.
Recalling their last lunch together, he said: “We went to Tippo. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, it was a good ol’ catch up on what we were doing, what we were passionate about’
Andy confessed that part of him felt guilty for not being there with Zonfrillo during his final moments.
When asked what he would miss most about Zonfrillo, Allen replied, “Everything. I probably spend more time – in the six months that we’re filming – with him than with my wife.
“I’m going to miss everything this guy brought into my life…He couldn’t wait for me and Alex to have kids too.” He always said I was going to be a great dad. And I just wish he was here to see that.
Andy confessed that part of him felt guilty for not being there with Zonfrillo during his final moments. Photographed together on November 1, 2022
Andy paid tribute to Jock on Instagram last week, writing: “You’ve taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I’ve learned about what it means to be a great dad, husband and friend that I’m going to withdraw from our time together and will last forever.’
Season 15 of the show was due to launch on May 1 but was pushed back after the Scottish chef was found dead by police in a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th May,” read a statement from Channel 10 shared on Instagram on Wednesday.
“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic, big-hearted judge and leader we knew and loved,” he continued.
“Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.”
The former MasterChef winner turned judge was heartbroken following the tragic death of his beloved co-star last week at the age of 46.
Season 15 of the show was due to launch on May 1 but was pushed back after the Scottish chef was found dead by police in a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.
“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th May,” read a statement from Channel 10 shared on Instagram on Wednesday.