MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies aged 46

His family shared the news of his death in Melbourne on April 30 "with completely shattered hearts".

"So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we are too overwhelmed to put them into words," the family said in a statement.

"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."

Mr Zonfrillo has been a judge on MasterChef Australia since 2019.

The first episode of the new season had been due to air on May 1, but the popular show announced it would not screen this week in light of the news.

"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," the statement said.

"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 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.

"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."

Mr Zonfrillo started The Orana Foundation in 2016, which acknowledges and celebrates Australia's Indigenous food culture and knowledge.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Mr Zonfrillo was born in Scotland and came to Australia to work as a chef.

He went on to open multiple restaurants including Restaurant Orana and Bistro Blackwood in Adelaide.

He was awarded the Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018 and released his best-selling memoir Last Shot in 2021.