MasterChef star Jock Zonfrillo's final post before his tragic death

Just hours before his tragic death at the age of 46 on Sunday, MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo reached out to his viewers of the show on Instagram.

The Scottish-born chef was found dead at 2am Monday morning at an address on Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street, after police were called to perform a welfare check.

Earlier in the day on Sunday, Jock had uploaded a promotional poster for the new series of MasterChef to his Instagram account.

The 2023 season of the hit Channel 10 show was supposed to premiere on Monday night, however, the network has confirmed that airing of the series has been postponed.

Jock uploaded an image of chef and guest judge Jamie Oliver to his account, alongside the caption: “The time has come for @masterchefau to kick off a new season filled with Secrets & Surprises! And @jamieoliver of course!”

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Fans of the show have flooded the comments section with tributes, with one person writing: “Jock it’s going to be very hard to watch your last season of Masterchef knowing that you are gone. Rest in peace.”

Another agreed, writing: “Masterchef Australia will never be the same without you!”

Jamie Oliver, who had also uploaded a promotional snap to his own Instagram account on Sunday, took to the social media app on Monday in shock over the sad news.

"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 years master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with him," he wrote.

"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 there very own unique view and style…Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this…….Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family the master chef team and contestants xxx. Love jamie"

Jock's family released a statement confirming his passing, saying: “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.

“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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