The MasterChef star, who was forced to exit the show just days after the season premiere, has shared the heartbreaking reason why.

Widely-popular MasterChef contestant Pete Campbell has revealed he was battling cancer while filming the show, forcing him to step away just days into the season.

The 40-year-old father of two, who first captured hearts during the 2021 season, where he placed runner-up to Justin Narayan, had been set to return for the 2025 Back to Win series.

But fans were left confused when he was notably absent from Wednesday night’s episode.

MasterChef Judge Andy Allen revealed Pete’s exit from the show on Wednesday. Picture: MasterChef
Judge Andy Allen broke the news on air, telling the stunned contestants: “Due to personal reasons, Pete is unable to continue in the competition.

“And we wish him nothing but the best.”

Campbell later took to social media to provide clarity on his sudden departure.

“Didn’t even get to cook for the judges! But you know what they say… ‘If you have cancer you should go get chemo’” he wrote alongside a photo of himself on the show.

“A massive thank you to everyone messaging and checking in, you’re all so nice X.”

He also revealed that his diagnosis was a “complete shock” in an interview with Woman’s Day.

MasterChef Australia 2021 contestant Pete Campbell. Picture: Supplied
Over a year ago, the former tattooist noticed some swollen lymph nodes in his neck that were biopsied and “cleared as not an issue”.

However, eventually, a haematologist suggested removing a lymph node for thorough analysis, and this was when Hodgkin lymphoma was discovered.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a network of tissues and organs that are part of the body’s immune system.

“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,” Campbell said.

“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.”

Campbell, who works at acclaimed Sydney eatery Poly, began chemotherapy almost immediately after filming wrapped.

He credited his wife Alana and their daughters, Scout and Lux, with helping him through the gruelling treatment.

“Initially, I was able to bounce back quite easily from the treatment, but it does have an accumulative effect which makes the bounce back harder over time, but I’m reaching the end of treatment now and I’m feeling tip top,” he said.

The self-taught chef from NSW’s Central Coast said he had also received great support from both Alan and other MasterChef contestants.

“I’ve received a lot of support from other contestants but also, so much support from MasterChef fans all over the world,” he shared.

Pete Campbell pictured with daughters Lux and Scout in 2022. Picture: Supplied
“So many people have shared stories of how cancer has impacted them, with some currently going through their own treatment.”

Despite his early exit, Campbell hopes to one day return to the show.

“This time around ended for me before it even began so I certainly feel like I have unfinished business in the MasterChef kitchen,” he said.

“If I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity again, I’ll take it.”