MasterChef contestant exits show after SHOCKING news
Pete Campbell first appeared on season 13 of the popular cooking series and made his return this year, along with other previous contestants vying for another chance to win.
However, his dreams soon came to an abrupt end on episode three after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma which affects the lymphatic system that helps fight infections.
The 40-year-old father of two said it came as 'a complete shock' as swollen lymph nodes in his neck were deemed okay after being 'checked and biopsied'.
It wasn't until a haematologist suggested removing a lymph node for thorough analysis that the cancer was discovered.
'The diagnosis was a complete shock. Given I had no other symptoms and felt completely healthy, I asked (kinda begged) the doctor if I could start treatment after the competition,' he told Woman's Day.
'She told me I'd possibly die, and that's when the severity of the situation really hit me and replaced the disappointment. From there, I just wanted to start treatment as soon as possible and get better for my family.'
The self-taught cook from NSW's Central Coast said breaking the news to his two daughters — Scout and Lux — whom he shares with his wife Alana, wasn't easy.
'As soon as I received the diagnosis, I explained the situation to Scout and Lux and prepared them that when I lose my hair and feel unwell, it just means the medicine is working,' he said.
'We have kept everything very positive around them, and they've been great with it all.'
Also bringing the positive vibes are the MasterChef judges, co-stars and fans sending Campbell messages of love and support.
Andy Allen said on Instagram: 'Sending bulk love mate.' Pete Campbell was a runner-up on season 13. Credit: Supplied
Fellow judge Jean-Christophe Novelli said: 'Your health is priority, stay strong Pete.'
Brendan Pang said: 'Send lots and lots of love your way Pete!'
Fellow MasterChef contestant Rue Tendom said: 'Oh Pete, I am thinking of you and sending you so much love.'
Campbell said he is nearing the end of his chemotherapy treatment and is 'feeling tip top'.
Known for his luscious long platinum blonde locks, he hopes to grow his hair back and return to the MasterChef kitchen in the future.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I'm a sucker for any pub': MasterChef winner Nat Thaipun's go-to spots to eat and drink
It's been a whirlwind 12 months for Nat Thaipun since her MasterChef Australia 2024 win. Since then, she has hosted 22 dining pop-ups around Australia, Seoul and Hong Kong, developed a YouTube docuseries chronicling her culinary travels in South Korea and Hobart, and in October will release her debut cookbook, Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere. When she's not globetrotting, Thaipun picks up shifts cooking at Melbourne's three-hatted Vue de Monde, as you do. Yes, it's been a rapid rise for the former environmental science student and barista, who still lives in an inner-city Melbourne share house and now counts Jamie Oliver as a friend, but cooking has always been in her veins. Her parents ran popular Sunbury restaurant Thai Hut, until it closed in 2019 after 30 years. It was her experience at The Zin House, Mudgee's biodynamic farm and restaurant, that spurred Thaipun to accept a spot on MasterChef. The restaurant's commitment to organic practices also prompted her to return to Thailand for a deeper exploration of her culinary heritage before filming began.
The Age
8 hours ago
- The Age
‘I'm a sucker for any pub': MasterChef winner Nat Thaipun's go-to spots to eat and drink
It's been a whirlwind 12 months for Nat Thaipun since her MasterChef Australia 2024 win. Since then, she has hosted 22 dining pop-ups around Australia, Seoul and Hong Kong, developed a YouTube docuseries chronicling her culinary travels in South Korea and Hobart, and in October will release her debut cookbook, Thai: Anywhere and Everywhere. When she's not globetrotting, Thaipun picks up shifts cooking at Melbourne's three-hatted Vue de Monde, as you do. Yes, it's been a rapid rise for the former environmental science student and barista, who still lives in an inner-city Melbourne share house and now counts Jamie Oliver as a friend, but cooking has always been in her veins. Her parents ran popular Sunbury restaurant Thai Hut, until it closed in 2019 after 30 years. It was her experience at The Zin House, Mudgee's biodynamic farm and restaurant, that spurred Thaipun to accept a spot on MasterChef. The restaurant's commitment to organic practices also prompted her to return to Thailand for a deeper exploration of her culinary heritage before filming began.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Perth Now
'Pete has always wanted to be a dad': Pete Davidson's baby wish
Pete Davidson has 'always wanted to be a dad'. The 31-year-old comedian and his 29-year-old model girlfriend Elsie Hewitt are expecting their first child together later this year and friends of Pete have insisted that now is the 'perfect' time for him to become a father. A source told Us Weekly: 'This has brought them even closer. It's a healthy relationship for Pete. Pete has always wanted to be a dad and thinks the timing in his life is perfect. He couldn't have done it a few years ago but is in a very different place in life now. 'He's had a great year so far with two movies coming out soon, another in production, and a return to stand-up.' While Pete and Elsie only went public with their romance in March, insiders insisted they are smitten with each other. The source said: 'They are over the moon about it. They are so excited. Pete and Elsie have a really playful relationship, and things are going really well.' The insider added: '[They have only been together for a] 'short amount of time,' but they've become 'inseparable' since they started dating earlier this year. 'He and Elsie live together now and are starting to get things ready, which has been very exciting for them to do together.' Sources told TMZ that Elsie is due to give birth in the winter and she and Pete recently shared their happy news with friends and family. In May, Elsie gushed her boyfriend is the "best person" she's ever met. She told People magazine: 'He is so incredible. Honestly, best person I've ever met, and I'm so grateful ... 'Everyone deserves a Pete!' Pete's most recent relationship before Elsie was with 'Outer Banks' actress Madelyn Cline eight months ago. And Elsie was most recently linked to actor Jason Sudeikis. She also previously dated Ryan Phillippe.
