MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen admits Jock Zonfrillo’s death hit him “like a ton of bricks”.

MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen paid tribute to his co-star Jock Zonfrillo during a special episode of The Sunday Project.

In his first interview since the shocking news, Allen, 35, sat down with Sarah Harris and revealed the devastating impact Zonfrillo’s death had on him.

The former MasterChef winner-turned-judge was heartbroken after his beloved co-star tragically died aged 46 last week.

“I want to say I’m fine, but I’m not great,” Allen told Harris.

“That hit me like a ton of bricks. He’s the heart and soul of this place… I’m just struggling to realize that he’s actually gone.’

Allen went on to say that being on the MasterChef set without Zonfrillo felt strange before describing the last time he saw him.

Recalling their last lunch together, he said, “We went to Tippo’s. He ordered the whole menu. We hadn’t seen each other for a while, it was good old catching up on what we were doing that made us happy.’

Zonfrillo and his family had recently moved to Rome and the MasterChef judge flew back to Melbourne alone for the show’s premiere.

Andy revealed that Zonfrillo was dying to return to Rome and start a new life with his family.

Andy confessed that part of him felt guilty for not being with Zonfrillo in his final moments.

When asked what he would miss most about Zonfrillo, Allen said, “Everything. I probably spend more time – in the six months we shoot – with him than with my wife.

“I’m going to miss everything this guy brought into my life… He couldn’t wait for Alex and I to have kids too. He always said I would make a great father. And I just wish he was there to see that.’

Andy paid tribute to Jock on Instagram last week, writing, “You’ve taught me so much about food but it’s the lessons I’ve learned about what it means to be a great father, husband and friend that I love from ours will take time together and will last forever.’

The show’s 15th season was due to start on May 1 but was postponed after the Scottish chef was found dead by police at a Melbourne hotel at 2am on Monday.

“With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family, MasterChef Australia will air Sunday 7 May at 7.30pm,” read a Channel 10 statement shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

“It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and generous judge and chef we knew and loved,” it continued.

‘Jock will be remembered in the MasterChef Australia kitchen for years to come.’