MasterChef Australia finale a farewell to judge Jock Zonfrillo

Contestant Brent Draper was crowned the winner of the 2023 season on July 16 but for many fans it will be remembered as the final episode with Mr Zonfrillo after he died suddenly in April.

A short montage of highlights from the four seasons with Mr Zonfrillo and fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen followed the finale, ending with the simple tribute, 'give it up for Jock Zonfrillo'.

Before the episode aired Mr Zonfrillo's wife Lauren shared on Instagram that the family hadn't been able to watch the MasterChef season but were planning to watch the finale.

"We used to really enjoy watching the finale together - it was something Jock was really proud of, it was a job he really loved doing and so we've decided we're going to honour that and we're going to keep doing what we would normally do and watch finale together," she said.

"I've got so many messages off people today and through social as well and they all seem to be really sad and so I just wanted to get on here and say, yes, it is sad but this is something he loved doing and this is not the end of the line for Jock at all."

Mr Draper, who completed a comeback story after withdrawing from a previous season due to his mental health, also paid tribute to Mr Zonfrillo following the finale on Instagram.

"To the man who's been the most influential for me on my food and mental health journey, Jock. I'm gutted you're not here mate and that we won't get to have a scotch and celebrate this together - but just know that this win is for you," Mr Draper said.

"Thank you for the legacy you've left behind, for the memories and laughs and just know that you'll never ever be forgotten in our home."

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Some fans had been dreading the end of the season as it closes an era on a trio of judges that have hosted the show since 2020.

"I've been enjoying this season so much, and only crying a few times ... per episode. But I'm grateful to be able to spend a few more hours hanging out with Jock on my screen," one fan tweeted.

"So close to MasterChef Australia finals week and realised that this is the last week I get to see new episodes with Jock and honestly this season only reinforced what a huge loss that would be," another said.

The show was postponed for a week when news broke of Mr Zonfrillo's death, before Network 10 announced the season would go ahead with the "full support" of his family.

In a statement at the time Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said he was a "beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family".

"Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband and son," the statement said.