MasterChef Australia: Jock Zonfrillo’s widow fails to mention ex-judge Melissa Leong as she reacts to new series – sparking rumors of backstage feud

Jock Zonfrillo’s widow Lauren Fried has reacted to the new cast of MasterChef Australia after Melissa Leong left the Channel Ten cooking series.

The upcoming sixteenth season will feature three new judges – series alum Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and food critic Sofia Levin – along with returning host Andy Allen.

Following the announcement, Fried said on Instagram that Zonfrillo would be “very happy” with the new lineup – which no longer includes Leong.

Her comment led to speculation that Zonfrillo, who died of natural causes on April 30 at the age of 46, did not get along well with Leong behind the scenes.

In a lengthy post, Fried mentioned Allen’s return to the franchise and congratulated Ling Yeow and Novelli on their new roles, but somewhat tellingly neglected to mention Leong’s departure or her four years on the series.

“This would make Jock very happy – @andyallencooks came into our lives unexpectedly four years ago. He quickly became Jock’s best friend, shared a passion for food and fun and was someone who cared deeply for our family,” she began.

Fried said Zonfrillo is “very happy” with the lineup that no longer includes Leong. Her comment led to speculation that Zonfrillo, who died of natural causes on April 30 at the age of 46, did not get along well with Leong behind the scenes. (Pictured: MasterChef 2024 series, from left: Jean-Christophe Novelli, Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin)

“Andy went back into the MasterChef kitchen seven months ago to film his entry for Jock’s tribute show, literally just hours after I called him to tell him the news. “He did it for Ava and me, for Jock and as a gift for our little ones to watch in the future.”

She went on to say that Zonfrillo would be “super proud” if Allen “now returns to the MasterChef kitchen with three new talented and friendly judges.”

Fried also further criticized Leong, 42, when she said the new judges “respect the privilege of being part of an extraordinary show.”

“This is a group of people who respect the privilege of being part of such an extraordinary show. They know they are stronger together than individuals, and they want to encourage participants to make their dream of a career in food a reality,” she said.

“You all have my absolute support – all I ask is that you keep making fun of Andy, make him coffee so strong he walks on set shaking and take him for a round of golf to burn off some energy. “Steam, and that you beat him in all the cooking competitions.”

Fried concluded: “Let’s make 2024 the best season of @masterchefau yet – meet the judges, support the contestants and keep cooking!”

The announcement of the new series follows rumors of tension between the judges.

When Leong did not attend The Sunday Project’s moving tribute to Zonfrillo a week after his shocking death at the age of 46, he caused a stir.

Fried mentioned Allen’s return to the franchise and congratulated Ling Yeow and Novelli on their new roles, but neglected to mention Leong’s departure, which was somewhat telling.

Allen and Zonfrillo formed a close friendship after teaming up on MasterChef four years ago

Allen and celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Curtis Stone shared their memories in the heartbreaking special.

Leong, who did not appear in the show, was notably missing.

“There was a very emotional tribute from Andy on The Project and it was surprising that Melissa wasn’t sitting next to him,” an insider told Daily Mail Australia.

“You would think they would take on the media together.” Especially since it was said in the company that they were all best friends.

“It was quite strange that Melissa fell to the ground during this time and yet was very wise to stick with her decision to leave the show until now.”

A few months after The Project special, Leong explained that the grieving process was quiet for her after she was criticized for not attending a special tribute to her late co-star.

“We all deal with loss differently, and we have to respect that,” she wrote in a column for Stellar magazine.

“Some people need to talk to process emotions, while others need more time to find the words, if they can find them at all,” she continued.

“Some people need company, while others need time alone to stare at a wall, constantly clean or sleep.

READ MORE: Melissa Leong insists she left MasterChef ‘on my own terms’ after reports she was ‘kicked off the cooking show’.

The new series follows rumors of tension between Andy, Melissa and the late Jock

“There is no right or wrong in these moments, only what is true for yourself.”

Leong’s absence from the special also caused a stir among fans of the cooking show.

“Is it strange that Melissa isn’t there?” one person asked on Twitter, while several others responded.

“It’s a bit, yes…” One person agreed, but others thought otherwise.

‘NO? Everyone grieves differently. It might be too early for her to say/open up. I hope she’s okay,” one said.

Another wrote: “Andy has had it hard enough. I think Melissa just couldn’t do it. Everyone grieves differently and people don’t talk about that grief until they are ready (if ever).

Someone else said, “Not at all.” “If you’re not in the room to do it, you can’t do it,” while someone else agreed: “I don’t think she could do it.” She was shocked.

“Maybe she’s still processing it and it will be too much for her,” said another.

When Leong did not attend the Sunday Project’s moving tribute to Zonfrillo a week after his shocking death at the age of 46, he caused a stir.

Leong’s departure from the cooking show was announced on Monday – just a day before Channel Ten revealed its 2024 schedule during its Upfronts presentation.

She will star in a spin-off series of MasterChef called Dessert Masters.

Popular Judge Zonfrillo died in his hotel room at Zagame’s House on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne.

He was found by police at around 2am on Monday 1 May, the same day that the fifteenth season of MasterChef Australia premiered on Channel Ten.

He is survived by his third wife, Lauren, and his four children: grown daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla with Lauren.

A few weeks after The Project special, Leong explained that she went through the grieving process after being criticized for not attending a special tribute to her late co-star.