
Following the news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing, questions have been circulating about what is happening with the latest season ofMasterChef Australia– which was set to air this week.
Network 10 has now confirmed that the new season will be starting this coming Sunday.
The announcement arrived with full support from Jock's family – his wife Lauren, and his four children.
"It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted Judge and Chef who we knew and loved. Jock will be remembered in theMasterChef Australiakitchen for years to come," part of the statement read.
The network has also shared details on how this season will be handled. Here's everything we know.
When was the new season ofMasterChef Australiafilmed?
Production of the new season ofMasterChefwrapped a month ago, according to Mediaweek.
Like other seasons before it, the 2023 season was filmed at Centenary Hall at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.
On Tuesday, celebrity chef and guest judge Jamie Oliver shared a photo of hosts Jock, Andy Allen and Melissa Leong while filming on set.
"We had the best time working together for this year's master chef, I can’t tell how good it was to work with [Jock]!" he captained a tribute post to the 46-year-old.
Melissa has also spoken about filming with Jock, who she affectionally referred to as her "work husband".
When speaking toMamamia in 2020 about filmingJunior MasterChef,Melissa recalled Jock would always make her a coffee when he arrived on set.
"[Jock is] the first person to turn up out of him and Andy – and he makes me a coffee when he arrives," she toldMamamia.
"He's my work husband, so he makes coffee for everybody."
When will the new season ofMasterChef Australiaair?
In a statement on Monday, Network 10 confirmed the new season will not air this week.
Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week. pic.twitter.com/cmtDuJr19P
— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau)
The network has since released a new statement explaining that with permission from Jock's family, the show will air this coming Sunday.
Here's the statement in full:
With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday, 7 May.
MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.
It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted Judge and Chef who we knew and loved. Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.
A special edition of The Sunday Project will pay tribute to Jock from 6.30pm on Sunday, 7 May. With contributions from friends, he held closely, the show will honour Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life in a celebration of his incredible achievements.
In the meantime, the reality showThe Bridge, which aired onParamount+last year, will fill the 7.30pm gap left byMasterChefuntil Sunday.
What have Melissa and Andy said?
A day after news of Jock's death, Andy and Melissa shared tributes to their late co-host on Instagram.
"When I met you five years ago, I knew our lives were about to change forever," Andy captioned a series of photos.
"What I didn't realise is how close Alex [Andy's fiance] and I would become outside of the kitchen with you, Lauren [Jock's wife], and your kids.
"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."
Brielle Burns
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