Award-winning journalist Liz Hayes will make her debut as guest correspondent for 7NEWS Spotlight this Sunday with a powerful sit-down interview, a major coup for Seven’s flagship current affairs program.
Hayes sits down with Lauren Zonfrillo, widow of beloved MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, in her first public interview since his sudden death in May 2023.
Jock and Lauren Zonfrillo
A deeply personal story
In what is billed as one of the year’s most emotional television events, Lauren shares previously unseen family videos and reflects on her journey through grief, the difficulty of explaining Jock’s death to their young children, and her search for hope and healing.
Jock’s cause of death has never been publicly disclosed.
Liz Hayes said the interview offers a rare and brave window into private heartbreak.
“Jock’s unexpected and very public death was devastating and traumatising and in the glare of intense media speculation, and Lauren also had to grapple with why her husband had died,” Hayes said.
“She bravely opens the door to her very private and personal pain and the trauma endured by her two little children.”
Liz Hayes makes her mark at Seven
The interview marks Hayes’ first major project since joining Seven, after announcing her departure from Nine last year, following an extraordinary 44-year career at the network.
Hayes’ addition signals a strategic move for 7NEWS Spotlight, as the program continues to grow its profile and credibility in the highly competitive current affairs space.
Gemma Williams, Executive Producer of Spotlight, said Hayes’ presence brings significant gravitas to the series.
“We’re privileged to welcome Liz Hayes to Spotlight as a guest correspondent. Widely respected for her decades of experience, storytelling expertise and journalistic integrity, we look forward to collaborating with Liz on this special project,” Williams said.
The high-profile signing of Hayes is set to sharpen competition between Seven and Nine’s current affairs offerings, particularly as broadcasters continue to invest heavily in trusted journalism and premium content to drive audiences across linear and BVOD platforms.