The family of the late MasterChef star Jock Zonfrillo are "hurting" but "overwhelmed by the support" from fans following the shock death of the MasterChef Australia judge.
Last week, it was announced that Jock had died age 46 as his family shared a statement saying they were "completely shattered" by Jock's death.
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.
Jock's death came just as MasterChef Australia's 15th season is due to begin on Monday night but the show did not air.
The new series was delayed by a week and began in Australia today instead, after a special TV tribute to Jock aired.
In The Project TV special, Jock's fellow MasterChef judge Andy Allen shared a message from Jock's wife Lauren Fried.
Andy said: "I saw Lauren and the kids last night, I went and cooked them some food and they just wanted me to say how much they can feel the support for Jock and themselves.
"They're hurting but it does help. They've been overwhelmed with how much support there has been for him and the family. They didn't know – just like you and I – it's been unreal to see how much support and where it's come from and who it's come from.
"So, yeah, they just wanted for me to say they feel it. It's tough, but they feel it," Andy added as he held back tears.
Elsewhere in the touching TV special, Andy paid tribute to Jock – who he said was as "hard as nails".
He said: "He is that Scottish bloke; drinks whiskey, hard as nails. But, then, he's such a vulnerable person and he really does open up his emotions and there is no conversation too big or too small, he wants to be a part of that emotion."
Andy battled tears as he noticed he had mentioned Jock in the present tense.
An emotional Andy said: "It's hard. Talking about it I always go from past to present tense and I always pick myself up on it. It's really difficult because it is so fresh still."
"But, he just..." Andy paused to compose himself as he went on: "Here's another thing, like, being 10 years younger than him I still have so many things to learn and that's one of the things that he taught me was to be vulnerable and show your emotions.
"He'd probably be up there going: 'I did an alright job because you're a mess'."
Viewers said the TV special left them in tears as one tweeted: "@theprojecttv tribute tonight for Jock Zonfrillo was beautiful. I loved everything about it. Handled beautifully. #theprojecttv".
Another added: "Millions of Australian hearts collectively breaking right now and tears flowing as we honour this incredible man, chef, human. What a legend, what a legacy. Can't believe your gone. Loved and missed #jock_zonfrillo".
A third added: "That tribute to Jock Zonfrillo was incredible; so emotional and heartbreaking. Vale Jock #theprojecttv".
"I knew it was going to be hard, I didn't think it would be this hard #jock_zonfrillo #theprojecttv," another admitted.
