MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo reveals the full extent of his mental health battle

‘I’ve lost a lot’: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo reveals the full extent of his mental health battle – and the touching gift he gave contestant Brent Draper after his shock exit from the show

MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has candidly discussed the mental health battle he faced for many years.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, the 44-year-old chef revealed that food helped him not only cope with anxiety, but also saved him from ending up in jail or even dead.  

‘If it hadn’t been for food I would definitely be behind bars or in a pine box six foot under for sure,’ he candidly told the publication.

‘I’ve lost a lot’: MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo, 44, (pictured) revealed the full extent of his mental health battle on Sunday

‘I had a couple of gos at trying to sort out my mental health as well… Not realising I was in a bad place and you just don’t know because no one tells you.’

Jock said he ‘thought something’s not right’ after two failed marriages and a breakdown in friendships.

‘I’d lost a lot, friends and love and marriage and contact with kids. For a lot of people by then it’s too late,’ he said.

Candid: Speaking to the Herald Sun, the 44-year-old chef revealed that food helped him not only cope with anxiety, but also saved him from ending up in jail or even dead

Candid: Speaking to the Herald Sun, the 44-year-old chef revealed that food helped him not only cope with anxiety, but also saved him from ending up in jail or even dead 

Jock also revealed the touching gift he gave contestant Brent Draper following his shock exit from the show two weeks ago.

The Scottish gourmand made worry beards during lockdown, which he carries around on set to help him cope with ‘anxiety’ and ‘stress’.

He gave Brent a set after he sensationally quit the cooking show and will sell the rest for $5 with each sale going to Beyond Blue.

Touching: Jock also revealed the touching gift he gave contestant Brent Draper (pictured) following his shock exit from the show two weeks ago. He gave Brent a set of worry beads

Touching: Jock also revealed the touching gift he gave contestant Brent Draper (pictured) following his shock exit from the show two weeks ago. He gave Brent a set of worry beads

Earlier this month, Brent broke down in tears during an elimination challenge and said that he ‘can’t cook’ and ‘had nothing left’.

The shocking moment saw judge Jock take the boilermaker aside and talk to him about his emotional decision.

‘I just need to go home. It’s my mental health,’ Brent said, sitting across from Jock.

'I need to go home': Earlier this month, Brent broke down in tears during an elimination challenge and said that he 'can't cook' and 'had nothing left'

‘I need to go home’: Earlier this month, Brent broke down in tears during an elimination challenge and said that he ‘can’t cook’ and ‘had nothing left’

This isn’t the first time the MasterChef host has revealed that he suffers from anxiety.

Shortly after the season premiere, Jock told The Sunday Telegraph he’d felt ‘wound up’ with anxiety before the ratings for episode one came in.

‘It was a tough lead-up and the pressure was on, but we were all super relieved,’ he said of the overwhelming support from viewers.

'I was super relieved': This isn't the first time the MasterChef host has revealed that he suffers from anxiety. Shortly after the season premiere, Jock said he'd felt 'wound up' with anxiety before the ratings for episode one came in

‘I was super relieved’: This isn’t the first time the MasterChef host has revealed that he suffers from anxiety. Shortly after the season premiere, Jock said he’d felt ‘wound up’ with anxiety before the ratings for episode one came in

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