Melissa Leong from MasterChef Australia has spoken for the first time about the loss of her co-host Jock Zonfrillo
In an extended interview with News Corp’s Stellar magazine, the Masterchef judge has touched upon her journey over the past six months, her approach to coping with grief, and her views on the evolving landscape of Asian representation in the media.
Private Grief and Coping Mechanisms
The interview began with a candid discussion of the tragic loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a fellow MasterChef judge, in April. Leong expressed her deep appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and understanding she received during this difficult time. She acknowledged the curiosity surrounding her response to this loss, which had become a prominent news story. Leong chose to keep her grieving process private, a decision she considers crucial to her well-being.
“The past couple of months – I just have to say, obviously – I haven’t really spoken much. But I am extremely grateful for every piece of kindness and understanding that has come my way, and our way.”
In a world characterized by instant access to information, Leong highlighted the disconnect that occurs when one opts for privacy during personal moments of sorrow. She emphasized that everyone’s journey through grief is deeply individualized, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Leong firmly believes in granting people the space to grieve in their own way, without external pressure or scrutiny. She stressed that contributing to public discussions about grief can sometimes hinder the healing process of others.
“I feel like it isn’t constructive to continue to vocalize the way that I might feel because it may impede someone else’s process.”
The Future of MasterChef Australia
The future of MasterChef Australia is a topic of great curiosity and speculation among fans.
“It’s the million-dollar question… Can I answer all the granular questions everybody wants to know about? No, I can’t, because some of them I don’t even know myself.”
She expressed her hope that the show’s audience will continue to embrace its evolution with an open mind and an open heart. Leong emphasized that the beloved show deserves to grow, and while she couldn’t provide specific details about its future, she believes in maintaining an element of mystery.
Balancing Privacy with Public Life
Melissa Leong’s perspective on privacy is also shaped by her cultural background. She comes from a family with Chinese heritage, where certain matters are traditionally kept within the family circle. While she values sharing her professional experiences and broader life lessons with the public, Leong maintains a clear distinction between her personal life and public persona.
“Privacy is at an all-time low, and I think we should value it more.” “That’s why I share what I share and I don’t share what I don’t share.”
She prioritizes protecting the privacy of her family, close friends, and immediate circle of loved ones.
Leong discussed the unique challenges of her role as a MasterChef judge, where she navigates the fine line between sharing her experiences and safeguarding her personal boundaries.
She explained that her choice to share or withhold information is guided by her commitment to respecting the dignity and privacy of those in her life. She recognizes that while she is open about many aspects of her life, clear boundaries are essential in preserving the balance between her public and private worlds.
Taking on “Dessert Masters”
One of the surprises in Leong’s career was her decision to co-host “Dessert Masters,” a culinary competition featuring ten of Australia’s most accomplished pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and baking experts. Despite her personal preference for savory dishes over sweets, Leong believes that her unique perspective as a non-dessert enthusiast brings objectivity to her role.
“I’m not a sweet tooth. I will always choose the cheese course over the dessert course every single time… It’s about clear boundaries.”
Her journalistic and critical background allows her to evaluate desserts with a discerning eye for balance and overall dish quality.
Leong’s transition from the well-established MasterChef franchise to “Dessert Masters” offered her a fresh challenge. She discussed how this new role introduced her to a different set of responsibilities and pressure. While MasterChef puts contestants under immense pressure, Leong welcomed the opportunity to experience pressure herself as a host. She described her time on “Dessert Masters” as a blast, emphasizing the dynamic and unique feeling it brought to her career.
SOURCE: Stellar
She will always do a good job. Looking forward to the new show and who if anybody to replace jock if anybody can.