Claims that MasterChef Australia WON’T replace Jock Zonfrillo for the 2024 season of the cooking show following his sudden death
Jock Zonfrillo’s sudden death on April 30 left a huge hole in the MasterChef judging panel, and some say it can’t be filled.
As calls have already gone out for contestants on next year’s season of the cooking competition, Channel Ten has remained tight lipped about the line up of judges.
However, rumours have spread saying celebrity chef’s Melissa Leong and Andy Allen will move forward without a permanent third, reported the Herald Sun on Saturday.
The publications claimed the cooking duo may instead go into the next season alongside a rotating roster of guest judges.
While filming dates for season 16 haven’t been set, Channel Ten has asked aspiring chefs to submit their applications before August 16.
Jock Zonfrillo’s, 46, (pictured) sudden death on April 30 left a huge hole in the MasterChef judging panel, and some say it can’t be filled
Meanwhile, others have suggested Melissa, 41, and Andy, 35, may be planning to quit MasterChef as they continue to grapple with the tragic death of their co-star.
Some fans are convinced the entire hosting panel may be replaced altogether, after Channel 10 refused to confirm Jock’s replacement in the recent casting call.
‘Has anyone ever thought, “What if Mel and Andy decide not to continue being judges next season?” one Facebook user recently wrote on a MasterChef fan page.
As calls have already gone out for contestants on next year’s season of the cooking competition, Channel Ten has remained tight lipped about the line up of judges. Jock is pictured with fellow MasterChef judges Melissa Leong, 41, (left) and Andy Allen, 35, (right)
‘That crossed my mind too,’ another user wrote.
Jock died in Melbourne on what was supposed to be the premiere date of the latest MasterChef series, which was delayed by a week following his passing.
The 46-year-old Scottish-born chef was found dead on May 1 in his Carlton hotel room.
Police found his body after they were called to his room for a welfare check.
However, rumours have spread saying celebrity chef’s Melissa Leong and Andy Allen will move forward without a permanent third, reported Herald Sun on Saturday
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