Producers on MasterChef Australia have reportedly started conversations about who might replace Jock Zonfrillo as a judge next year.
The beloved Scottish chef was found dead at the age of 46 on May 1, just hours before this year's edition of the cookery contest was due to begin.
The show was delayed by a week out of respect, but with the blessing of his family it is now airing five nights a week as a tribute to him.
Filming on the 2024 series is due to start in August, with pre-production about to get underway, and the Daily Mail says that the tight timeline means that producers are already having to think about who will join Melissa Leong and Andy Allen as judges - should they return themselves.
"You have to remember that when Jock was cast he was a dark horse... he was a renegade in the industry and he wasn't what many expected in that role," a source told the newspaper.
"But his chemistry with the others was great. And the new host will need that more than anything."
Possible contenders linked with the role include Hugh Allen and former contestants Poh Ling Yeow, Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn.
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