Jamie Oliver reveals he secretly took in two Ukrainian refugee families

Jamie Oliver appeared on MasterChef Australia as a judge today, telling contestants he has taken in two Ukrainian families, and they've been living with him for the last seven months

Jamie Oliver revealed he's living with two Ukrainian families, while appearing as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia.

Jamie, 47, who shares five children with wife Jools, has been living with the families for seven months, he told the competitors and his fellow judges, when he appeared on the series premiere.

The renowned chef was trying a Russian and Ukrainian dish, borscht and pampushka, made by Larissa, when he made the revelation.

Jamie said: "With things going on in the world at the moment, it's kind of profound you're here this year with both a Russian and Ukrainian dish."

Going on, the food campaigner said: "Can I give you a little secret that no one really knows?

"I have had two Ukrainian families living with me for the like the last seven months.

"We have done fundraisers with top chefs from Ukraine, so I have had my fair share of borscht. This is absolutely fabulous."

Viewers had been left in tears while watching the episode, which was filmed before judge Jock Zonfrillo's death on Monday at the age of 46.

In the series premiere, Jock was joined by fellow judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jamie, as they tasted a variety of dishes.

The episode had been due to air on Monday, but was pushed back to today, with the blessing of the dad-of-four's family.

After the credits a picture of Jock appeared, with a message to the late chef "from the MasterChef family", saying: "Thank you for giving us all your wisdom, kindness and humour.

"We were lucky to have been around you, but for too brief a time."

Fans then reacted to the heartbreaking episode on Twitter, with some sharing their own tributes too.

One viewer wrote of the Scottish chef: "Dearest Jock, My heart is broken… Toughest Masterchef watch yet. Pouring out a bottle of HP sauce for you. I love you and miss you, your culinary skills, your insatiable food shovelling, your impeccable style, and your kind heart. RIP, legend.”

A second said: "Way too many tears for a Sunday night. Going to be very hard watching Masterchef for the next couple of weeks."

Another viewer penned: "The episode of @theprojecttv tonight on Jock Zonfrillo made me sob. The food world and MasterChef will never be the same again. I can’t imagine how his poor family feel.

"What an amazing chef and man."

Before MasterChef Australia, Channel 10 aired a special hour long tribute to Jock, on The Sunday Project, which saw Jamie, Gordon Ramsay and former mentor Marco Pierre White pay tribute.

Fellow judge Andy also shared a message from Jock's family during the tribute show, telling interviewer Sarah Harris: "I saw Lauren last night. They wanted me to say how much they can feel the support for Jock and themselves. They are hurting but it helps."