MasterChef’s Pete Campbell left the show after appearing in just two episodes.

MasterChef’s Pete Campbell has addressed why he was forced to exit the show early after the judges announced it was for ‘personal reasons’. Photo: Ten

MasterChef fan favourite Pete Campbell, who came second in season 13 of the show and returned for this year’s Back to Win season, was unfortunately forced to leave after appearing in just two episodes. At the beginning of Wednesday night’s episode, judge Andy Allen told the other contestants that Pete left the competition for “personal reasons”.

Andy didn’t disclose the exact reasons for Pete’s disappearance, but said, “Due to personal reasons, Pete is unable to continue in the competition. And we wish him nothing but the best.”

MasterChef star Pete Campbell reveals cancer diagnosis

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday night, Pete shared that he was forced to exit the competition due to being diagnosed with cancer. He had previously shared the news on Instagram in January.

Sharing a photo of himself in the MasterChef kitchen, he wrote, “Didn’t even get to cook for the judges! But you know what they say… ‘If you have cancer, you should go get chemo. ‘

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

Pete’s fellow MasterChef stars shared messages of support, with Laura Sharrad writing, “Keep smashing it Pete.”

“Your health is priority, stay strong Pete,” MasterChef judge Jean-Christophe Novelli also wrote.

“Hope you’re doing well Pete!” Beau Cook said. “Really glad I got to meet you, you’re a standout human and hope to hang out again sometime soon!”

“Pete! This too shall pass,” one fan wrote. “You have been my all-time favourite MasterChef contestant for the positivity and cheer you spread and the support and encouragement you offered to fellow competitors. I hope we can all offer you the same in this time of need.”

“Was just about to message and say hope all is going well when you posted,” another said. “I am sure you were hugely disappointed, not to mention hugely challenged by the life events, but hang in there. You want to get back to great health and enjoying family life. There will be other opportunities and we will all be cheering you on when they arrive. Take care.”

Pete shared the news in January, with this photo showing he’d cut off his long locks. Photo: Instagram/my.mate.pete
Pete made the initial announcement in January, revealing he’d chopped off his long locks to prepare for chemotherapy.

“New look for my cancer/chemo era… Hodgkins lymphoma, you dog,” he said.

MasterChef’s Pete says diagnosis was a ‘complete shock’

Speaking with Woman’s Day, Pete revealed that the diagnosis was a “complete shock”. He said, “I was concerned about swollen lymph nodes in my neck that were checked and biopsied over a period of more than a year and cleared as not an issue.

“Eventually a haematologist suggested removing a lymph node for thorough analysis and this was when the Hodgkin’s lymphoma was discovered.”

He added, “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.

“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.”

Pete began chemotherapy one week after his diagnosis, and he’s reaching the end of his treatment now.