Studio 10's Tristan MacManus breaks down on air over Jock Zonfrillo's death: 'Devastated'

Studio 10 host Tristan MacManus broke down in tears live on air on Tuesday, paying tribute to his late friend Jock Zonfrillo.

The MasterChef judge sadly passed away at the age of 46 on Monday. The Scottish 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.

Now, in a tribute piece to camera, his good friend and Channel 10 colleague Tristan teared up as he said: “We just wanted to pay tribute to our dear friend Jock Zonfrillo”.

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Tristan went on to call Jock "such a good guy", saying ‘in a world of acquired tastes, I think he was my favourite’.

The Irish-born host said he was "so shocked" when he got the call to say his friend had passed away.

“We shared a few drinks together, we shared a few stories together,” he continued, saying he’s "devastated" for Jock’s wife and children.

Jock Zonfrillo dead at 46

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.

“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.”

On Tuesday, it emerged that Jock had flown home from a family holiday in Italy in preparation for the launch of season 15 of MasterChef but was sadly found dead on Monday, the same day the show was set to premiere.

According to the Daily Telegraph, it's understood Jock and his family travelled to Europe after filming of the show finished about a month ago.

It's believed Lauren, Alfie and Isla will arrive in Melbourne from Italy today.

Jock is also the father to two adult children, Ava and Sophie, from his first two marriages, but they were not on the trip with him.

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