'He will be greatly missed.' MasterChef host Jock Zonfrillo has passed away, aged 46.

It is with deep sadness and shock that Network 10 has confirmed the passing of Jock Zonfrillo.

Mamamia contacted Victoria police for a statement, in which they explained the following:

Police attended a Lygon Street address for a welfare check and located a man deceased about 2am on 1 May. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Carlton. The 46-year-old man's death is not being treated as suspicious.

The chef, best-selling author, and philanthropist was best known in Australia for his role hosting MasterChef – quickly becoming a crowd favourite after taking on the job in 2019. 

Jock Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla – his children with Fried.

A statement from the Zonfrillo family has been issued, which you can read it in full here:

“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," the statement read. 

“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.”

Image: @zonfrillo Instagram

Since the post went live on Instagram, comments have been flooding in from well-known celebrities showing their respects and sending love to his family. 

"Holding Jock’s family close to my heart & thinking of those in his circle at this saddest of times.
He touched so many of us," said Narelda Jacobs.

"I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry," shared Georgia Love.

"I’m so so sorry! My condolences," said former MasterChef contestant Khan Hong.

"I am literally in so much shock and hands are shaking. This is devastating news. I am so sad to hear this news," another former MasterChef contestant, Minoli Desilva shared.

You can listen to Jock Zonfrillo on No Filter right here. Post continues after podcast.

Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia (the production companies behind MasterChef) have also released a statement, saying:

“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.

“Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.

“Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures and it was his obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike that at just 12 years old fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doors looking for a job.

“Jock’s love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age. From that point onwards there was no holding him back and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White."

Watch: The Story Behind Jock Zonfrillo’s Gift To Brent Draper. Post continues after video.

“Throughout his career he worked with world famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world. His talent saw him shine in the world’s most formidable kitchens and he opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide after moving to Australia.

“Jock’s Restaurant Orana was recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and he also received global accolades, accepting the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018.

“In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.

“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”

Following the loss of Jock, MasterChef Australia will not air this week.

Jock Zonfrillo's cause of death is currently unknown.

Image: Network 10.