A contestant on this year’s MasterChef Australia: Back to Win has had to step away from the competition after receiving a shocking cancer diagnosis.
Season 17 of MasterChef Australia has started on 10Play, featuring 24 returning contestants from across 16 seasons. Get ready for wild challenges and surprising flavour combos, with new episodes airing weekly! Viewers outside Australia can still watch all the episodes by using a VPN to access. Check out our guide to the best VPNs for 10Play now!
Pete Campbell, who originally competed in Season 13, returned this year alongside other past contestants for another shot at the title. Unfortunately, his journey came to an early end in episode three after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the body’s infection-fighting lymphatic system.
The 40-year-old father of two said the diagnosis came as “a complete shock.” Despite having swollen lymph nodes in his neck, initial checks and biopsies had cleared them as non-threatening. It wasn’t until a haematologist recommended surgically removing a lymph node for closer examination that the cancer was finally detected.
I was completely shocked by the diagnosis, I had no symptoms and felt totally fine, so I actually asked—basically begged—the doctor if I could delay treatment until after the show. She told me I could die, and that’s when the seriousness of it all really hit me. The disappointment faded, and all I wanted was to start treatment right away and recover—for my family.
he told Woman’s Day.
The self-taught chef from the Central Coast of NSW said it was tough breaking the news to his two daughters, Scout and Lux, whom he shares with his wife, Alana.
As soon as I got the diagnosis, I sat down with Scout and Lux to explain everything, I told them that if I lose my hair or start feeling unwell, it just means the medicine is doing its job.
he said
We have kept everything very positive around them, and they’ve been great with it all.
Adding to the positive energy, MasterChef judges, fellow contestants, and fans have been flooding Campbell with messages of love and support. Judge Andy Allen shared on Instagram, “Sending bulk love mate.”
Fellow judge Jean-Christophe Novelli offered his support, saying, “Your health is priority, stay strong Pete.”
Brendan Pang added, “Send lots and lots of love your way Pete!” while fellow contestant Rue Tendom shared, “Oh Pete, I am thinking of you and sending you so much love.” Campbell shared that he’s nearing the end of his chemotherapy and is currently “feeling tip top.”
Famous for his long platinum blonde hair, he hopes to grow it back and make a return to the MasterChef kitchen in the future.
Source: Nowtolove.com.au