Jock Zonfrillo's surprise overseas move three weeks before his death

Jock Zonfrillo had reportedly moved his family overseas to Italy three weeks ago, ditching his Melbourne townhouse to live a new dream life.

The MasterChef judge was found dead at a Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, the same day the newest season of the show was set to premiere.

Entertainment journalist Peter Ford took to Twitter on Tuesday evening, revealing, "Jock had actually moved to Rome to live. Was to have been an exciting new chapter for the family."

Jock moved with his wife, Lauren, and their two children, Alfie, five, and Isla, two, to Rome, and the celebrity chef had flown to Melbourne to do publicity for MasterChef.

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The MasterChef star is also father to two adult children from previous marriages, Ava and Sophia, however, they were not with Jock in Italy.

It is believed that Jock's wife and youngest children arrived in Australia on Tuesday night.

One of Jock's neighbours told Seven News, "He left about three weeks ago. Obviously he’s come back and who knows what happened."

Prior to moving overseas, Jock and his family moved from Adelaide to Melbourne, where MasterChef is filmed.

The Scotsman, who started his career working with Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White, famously overcame a heroin addiction and became one of Australia's most celebrated chefs.

His family confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Monday afternoon, asking the public to please give them space to “grieve privately”.

“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,” they wrote,

“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.”

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