Jock Zonfrillo, the host of “MasterChef Australia,” passed away suddenly at the age of 46 on the eve of the premiere of the cooking show’s new season. Australian broadcaster Network 10 confirmed the news in a statement but did not disclose the cause of death. Zonfrillo, a Scottish chef, learned his trade from some of the most renowned chefs in the world and had worked in some of the top kitchens in the United Kingdom before moving to Australia. He had been due to appear in the new series of “MasterChef Australia” with guest judge Jamie Oliver. His sudden death has left the show in shock, and the premiere episode has been withdrawn from airing. Zonfrillo was also a presenter of cooking programs and a passionate advocate of Australian Indigenous cuisine. He leaves behind his wife and four children. The news has been met with profound sadness from the cooking and celebrity communities, with Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay expressing their sorrow on social media.
