British Master Chef judge Jock Zonfrillo had secretly battled bowel cancer for years before he was found dead in an Australian hotel room.
Mr Zonfrillo was found dead in a hotel room in Melbourne around 2am this morning following a welfare check.
No cause of death has been disclosed and it is not suggested the 46-year-old died of cancer, only that he had told close friends he was suffering from the disease.
The Scottish star, who was based in Australia, is survived by his third wife Lauren Fried and his four children Ava and Sophia – whom are from his first marriages – and Alfie and Isla – from his last marriage.
His death comes just as MasterChef Australia’s 15th season is due to begin on Monday night.
However, the show will not air in light of the judge’s death.
The show tweeted its decision alongside a tribute to Jock, which read: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family.
Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef Australia will not air this week.”
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