One of Jock Zonfrillo’s MasterChef colleagues has paid an emotional tribute to the celebrity chef, describing him as the “complete package”.

A day after Zonfrillo’s shock death was confirmed – and with his wife Lauren Fried and two youngest children flying home from a holiday in Italy – fellow judge Andy Allen was the first of the MasterChef crew to speak publicly.

“When I met you five years ago I knew our lives were about to change forever,” Allen wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

“What I didn’t realise is how close Alex and I would become outside of the kitchen with you, Lauren and your kids. You’ve become such an inspirational and important part of our lives.”

Allen, Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong were revealed as the three new judges for the hit reality show as it returned for its 12th season in 2020.

Allen won MasterChef in 2012 and now co-owns the Three Blue Ducks restaurants. He was the first MasterChef contestant to be awarded a prestigious Chef’s Hat – for consistent culinary excellence.

“You’ve taught me so much about food, but it’s the lessons I learnt about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I’ll take away from our time together and will last forever,” he wrote of Zonfrillo.

“I’ll miss the way you mentored me and every contestant that walked into the MasterChef kitchen.

“Thanks for making me constantly laugh and being there when I needed to cry. You really were the complete package, mate, and life will never be the same without you.”

Tributes continued to pour in for Zonfrillo on Tuesday, after the award-winning chef and TV personality died aged 46.

Victoria Police confirmed officers attended a hotel in Carlto, in Melbourne’s inner-north, to conduct a welfare check about 2am on Monday and found the body of a man.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Daily Mail reports Zonfrillo had secretly battled bowel cancer for years and had chemotherapy, first in 2016 and again in 2021. That is yet to be confirmed or denied by his family or representatives.

He was also a former heroin addict, who overcame his addiction to become one of Australia’s most successful chefs.

Zonfrillo had flown home from his family’s holiday in Italy early for promotional work for the latest series of MasterChef. It had been due to premiere on Monday, but was cancelled after news of his death emerged.

The TV presenter’s family described him as an irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.

“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” they said in a statement.

“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words.

“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.”

MasterChef Australia‘s broadcaster Network Ten and production company Endemol Shine Australia said they were deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss.

“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed,” they said.

Chef Gordon Ramsay said he “truly enjoyed” the time the two spent together on the show.

“Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time,” he posted to social media.

Jamie Oliver worked with Zonfrillo on the upcoming series.

“Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was very grateful,” he wrote.

Singer Jimmy Barnes said he was speechless.

“Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry. My heart does out to his family,” he said.

Zonfrillo is survived by Ms Fried, six-year-old son Alfie, two-year-old daughter Isla, and two older children, Ava and Sophie, from an earlier marriage.

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-with AAP