Key MasterChef Australia figure dies at 35 as Channel Ten pay tribute to talented star

MasterChef Australia dedicated its 2024 premiere episode to its series producer, who has sadly passed away.

Jarred Bocca, who worked with the Channel 10 show for a number of years, died on February 18 at the age of 35.

The show paid tribute to the talented star, from Melbourne, as they shared a picture of him alongside a heartfelt message at the end of Monday’s launch episode.

‘In loving memory of Jarred Bocca. Love forever, the MasterChef family,’ the tribute read.

Jarred became series producer of MasterChef Australia in May 2023 but had worked for its production company EndemolShine Australia since September 2014 in various roles.

Jarred Bocca was series producer of the Channel 10 show since August 2023 but died in February at the age of 35, with the show paying tribute to him during their launch show 

He first worked as MasterChef’s studio production coordinator, before taking on other roles including as challenge producer and cycle producer.

An array of condolences messages were shared for Jarred’s beloved parents John and Maria and his family online, including from his MasterChef colleagues.

One wrote: ‘Many joyful memories and happy times at Masterchef, with Jarred. He had the ability to light up the room, and create a fun and productive work space. 

‘Always smiling, irreverently cheeky, and an irreplaceable loss. May the many memories you have, and the love he surrounded people with, make those dark days a little easier to navigate.’