The broadcaster Network 10 has revealed that the brand-new season of MasterChef Australia will begin airing on Sunday night at 7.30 p.m., with the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family. On Australia’s Network Ten#, the colorful and controversial chef and TV personality who died unexpectedly on Sunday will be honored with two broadcasts this weekend.
The broadcaster announced on Wednesday that the new season of “MasterChef,” the reality show on which Zonfrillo served as a judge, will now premiere on Sunday evening. The broadcast of the show was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, but it was postponed while the industry and the general public processed the news of Zonfrillo’s sudden death. According to the network, the Zonfrillo family has approved the move.
It comes after 10’s plan to stop broadcasting this week after his sudden death.
The season premiere will take place six days after the originally scheduled May 1 launch date.
Ten had to postpone the broadcast following the news that day that Jock Zonfrillo, one of the show’s three hosts, had been found dead in a hotel apartment in Lygon Road, Carlton, around 2 am on Monday. It is believed that he died on Sunday.
A special edition of the long-running talk show “The Sunday Project” will air before the delayed show. With contributions from companions, he held intently, “The Sunday Project” will “honor [Zonfrillo] by reflecting on his personal and professional life in what the broadcaster described as “a celebration of his incredible achievements.”
“MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and, of course, inspiring a nation of home cooks,” 10 stated in a statement.
“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 6.30 pm on Sunday, 7 May.
“With contributions from friends, he held closely, the show will honor Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life in a celebration of his incredible achievements.”
An hour-long tribute to the Scottish-born chef-turned-broadcaster will air on The Sunday Project at 6.30 p.m. prior to the season debut.
The Zonfrillo family was consulted and their approval was obtained, according to a spokesperson for the network.
The family, Network 10, and production organization Endemol Shine gave a joint statement on Monday declaring the death of 46-year-old Zonfrillo, who was born in Ayr, Scotland, and was officially named Barry.
“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 family said.
“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.”
After original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan left, Ten and Endemol hired Zonfrillo as one of three new hosts of the flagship cooking show in 2019. They said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the “sudden loss” of the chef-turned-TV presenter.
Zonfrillo died in Melbourne at 46 years old. The cause of death has been disclosed.
Barry Zonfrillo started his culinary career in the UK, before moving to Australia. He was born Barry Zonfrillo in Glasgow, Scotland.
There he married three times and opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide, with the latter winning significant culinary awards.
Lauren Fried had been Zonfrillo’s wife since 2017. They had two children together, six-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Isla. He likewise had two daughters, Ava and Sophia, from two past relationships.
While the restaurants failed, Zonfrillo extended his TV career and became a judge on MasterChef Australia from 2019. In 2021, he published a biography.
Ten faced a major dilemma following the host’s death as it considered when, how, and how to air the show, which, now in its 15th season, remains its most important and expensive franchise, taking up approximately 12 weeks of primetime programming annually.
The decision to go to air so soon after his death makes programming and commercial sense, as months of promotional activity have primed watchers to expect it on their screens now.
However, while some individuals may tune in for the first time out of curiosity due to the extensive coverage of Zonfrillo’s death, others may find it uncomfortable to watch.
Ten will be hoping that viewers won’t make harsh judgments because of the Zonfrillo family’s endorsement.
The Dog House will be replayed on Thursday to bring the show back into sync with its intended playout. It will air from Sunday to Wednesday next week.
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