Fans call for MasterChef Australia to create permanent memorial for Jock Zonfrillo – ahead of his final episode
The MasterChef Australia grand finale on Sunday evening is set to be an emotional experience, as it marks the final televised appearance of late judge Jock Zonfrillo.
And fans are calling for the show to create a permanent tribute to Zonfrillo, who tragically died on May 1, aged 46, on what was supposed to be the season premiere.
Followers took to Instagram ahead of the final episode to push for Channel 10 to relabel the MasterChef Australia Winners Trophy in honour of the late celebrity chef.
‘Please rename the MasterChef trophy the Jock Zonfrillo plate,’ one follower begged and another added: ‘Will the trophy be named after Jock?’
Meanwhile, others said watching the final episode would be heartbreaking as it would be the last time they ever saw new footage of Jock.
The MasterChef Australia grand finale on Sunday evening is set to be an emotional experience, as it marks the final televised appearance of late judge Jock Zonfrillo (pictured)
‘So sad we will not see Jock after the final. A huge loss for us all. Bittersweet ending to this year’s series,’ one heartbroken fan wrote.
‘Jock in his Great Kilt was wonderful. I don’t want to see the last episode, don’t let it happen,’ another person added.
The celebrity chef was found dead in his hotel room in Melbourne on May 1, and was laid to rest at an intimate funeral in Sydney.
And fans are calling for the show to create a permanent tribute to Zonfrillo, who tragically died on May 1, aged 46, on what was supposed to be the season premiere. Pictured: Jock with fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen
The episode, which will see Brent Draper and Rhiannon Anderson compete to win the 2023 title, will mark the last episode filmed before Jock’s death.
Ten delayed the launch of the cooking show’s latest series by a week, but it aired in May with the support of Jock’s family.
The network is currently on the hunt for a new celebrity judge for the 2024 season to replace Jock.
Followers took to Instagram ahead of the final episode to push for Channel 10 to relabel the MasterChef Australia Winners Trophy (pictured) after the late celebrity chef
‘International names such as Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Shannon Bennett have all been thrown around,’ an insider told Woman’s Day last week.
The network is also reported to be considering bringing back ‘heritage’ names to the series, such as original judges George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, to attract older viewers.
The MasterChef Australia Grand Finale airs Sunday at 7:30pm on Channel 10.
Meanwhile, others said watching the final episode would be heartbreaking as it would be the last time they ever saw new footage of Jock
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