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MasterChef's Andy Allen opens up in moving TV interview after Jock Zonfrillo's death
Andy Allen revealed he dined with Jock Zonfrillo for three hours just one day before he passed away.
MasterChef judge Andy Allen broke down in tears on The Project, bravely opening up about his friend and fellow judge Jock Zonfrillo in a heartbreaking special tribute edition of the show.
The 35-year-old spoke eloquently through an emotional segment, where he delivered a message from Jock’s wife, Lauren, and revealed he had dined with Jock on Saturday, the day before he passed away.
Speaking to host Sarah Harris from the MasterChef studio, Andy choked up as he detailed how much he’ll miss the 46-year-old chef, whose body was found by Melbourne police early Monday morning in a hotel room.
“I saw Lauren and the kids last night. I went and cooked them some food, and they just wanted me to say how much they can feel the support for Jock and themselves. They're hurting but it does help. 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.”
Andy said Lauren is devastated to have 'lost her best friend' and what's 'hurting her the most' is the fact that Jock will never get to walk his three daughters down the aisle.
Speaking about his own grief, Andy said he's 'struggling' to come to terms with Jock's death.
"He's just always been there for me, and I'm just struggling to realise that he's actually gone."
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Andy went on to say that he and Jock went for a three-hour lunch together on Saturday, revealing Jock was excited about the new season of MasterChef, which was supposed to air last Monday night but was postponed until tonight.
“It was so normal. He was in such good spirits,” Andy said, revealing that they “talked each other’s ear off”.
An emotional Andy said part of him feels “guilty” that he got to have lunch with Jock that day instead of his wife Lauren and their two young kids, who were in Rome at the time.
“I'd give anything to swap positions. You know, in saying that, it was still so nice to see him one last time.”
The MasterChef judge said he wishes Jock would have been around to see him become a dad and told Sarah Harris that he didn’t realise how much Jock would become like “family” when he signed up to do the show.
While Andy said it will be hard to watch this season of MasterChef, he’ll be “watching it for him”.
Earlier this week, Andy took to his Instagram account to pay tribute to Jock, writing: “When I met you 5 years ago I knew our lives were about to change forever.
“What I didn‘t realise is how close Alex and I would become outside of the kitchen with you, Lauren and your kids.
“You‘ve become such an inspirational and important part of our lives.
“Sure, you’ve taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I learnt about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I’ll take away from our time together and will last forever.”
Jock Zonfrillo’s family released a statement confirming his passing on Monday, 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.
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