Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef Australia host and award-winning chef, has died at the age of 46.

Before starting his own restaurant in Australia, the Scotsman worked with acclaimed chefs in renowned restaurants around the world, reports BBC.

Network 10 confirmed his death on the day the 2023 season premiere of MasterChef Australia was set to air.

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife and four children, who stated their hearts were "shattered" in a statement.

"So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told... for those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky," it said.

Zonfrillo was found dead at a Melbourne home in the early hours of Monday morning. According to Victoria Police, the death is not being investigated as suspicious.

Gordon Ramsay, Jimmy Barnes, and Zonfrillo’s colleague chef Colin Fassnidge have all paid tribute to the popular TV show host and chef’s unexpected demise, said the report.

"Saddened by the devastating news... I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia," Ramsay wrote on Twitter.

"Jock was like a brother to me and we made each other laugh and cry," Barnes said.

Zonfrillo's charisma, passion, and sense of humour, according to Network 10, inspired a nation of home chefs.

MasterChef, which is pre-recorded, will not run this week as planned, according to the network.

Zonfrillo, who was born in Glasgow in 1976, began working in kitchens at the age of 12 and, at the age of 15, became one of the youngest-ever apprentices at the luxury Scottish resort, The Turnberry Hotel.

He began working with Michelin-starred British chef Marco Pierre White at his iconic Hyde Park Hotel two years later, added the report.

Despite his promising career, Zonfrillo claims he was destitute, homeless, and addicted to heroin as a teenager. In his 2021 memoir, Last Shot, he spoke extensively about his drug addiction issues.

He stated he started a new chapter in his life when he moved to Australia in 2000, and he went on to open many restaurants, the most successful of which being Adelaide's award-winning restaurant, Orana, which opened in 2013.

In 2019, the presenter was confirmed as part of an all-new MasterChef Australia host lineup.

Zonfrillo's career, however, was not without controversy. Orana closed in 2020 with millions of dollars in debt, and former colleagues, notably Marco Pierre White, criticized Last Shot as inaccurate.