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The Project viewers left 'sobbing' over emotional Jock Zonfrillo special: 'I’m crying'
Stars such as Maggie Beer, Curtis Stone and Tommy Little relayed stories about Jock on the Channel 10 show.
The Project viewers were left ‘sobbing’ on Sunday night after the show put together a special tribute to MasterChef Australia judge, Jock Zonfrillo.
Jock sadly passed away at the age of 46 last 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.
The heart-wrenching special, which featured celebrities and chefs paying tribute to Jock, pulled at the heartstrings of Australians everywhere.
Stars such as Tommy Little, Rebecca Gibney, Jimmy Barnes, Curtis Stone and Gordon Ramsay relayed their favourite memories of the chef and dad-of-four.
MasterChef judge Andy Allen opened up about the loss of his friend, saying: "He's just always been there for me, and I'm just struggling to realise that he's actually gone."
Andy said he had dined with Jock on Saturday, two days before he passed away.
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"It was a usual lunch. We went to lunch. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn't seen each other for a while, it was a good old catch-up about what we've been doing, what we were excited about."
Andy went on to say: "It was so normal. He was in such good spirits. He was so excited about the show launching."
The former MasterChef winner went on to say that he had seen Jock's wife, Lauren, and the couple's two kids the night before, saying they wanted Australians to know 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.
"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."
Viewers were left in tears over the special, with one person writing just five minutes into the show: “Ok... I'm already sobbing.”
“Someone (probably many someones) have done a fabulous job putting together this segment with @Zonfrillo telling his own story,” another wrote.
“Only 20mins in and I’m crying. What a beautiful tribute @theprojecttv. @Zonfrillo you are greatly missed,” a viewer wrote.
“Brilliant man, amazing chef, above all he loved his family,” a Channel 10 viewer said.
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.”
Last 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 flew to Melbourne from Italy during the week.
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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