MasterChef Australia has always been a show that brings together passionate home cooks, heartwarming stories, and a fair share of drama in the kitchen.

Yet for this season, fans were left stunned and saddened when one of the show's fan favourites suddenly went missing days after the show's premiere.


Pete Campbell was a creative chef who wowed the judges and viewers alike in the show's 13th season.

His return for the Back to Win series was highly anticipated, with many tipping him as a frontrunner for the title.

However, as Wednesday night's episode aired, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the 40-year-old chef was nowhere to be seen.


One of the show's judges, Andy Allen, addressed the elephant in the room.

'Due to personal reasons, Pete is unable to continue in the competition. And we wish him nothing but the best.'

No further details were given when the episode aired, which left fans speculating about Pete's sudden departure.

Shortly after the episode aired, Pete Campbell took to social media to reveal the heartbreaking truth.


Pete had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

'Didn't even get to cook for the judges! But you know what they say…"If you have cancer, you should go get chemo,"' Pete shared.

'A massive thank you to everyone for messaging and checking in. You're all so nice,' Pete added.

Pete first shared his diagnosis back in January, along with a photo of him with his hair shaved off.

'New look for my cancer/chemo era… Hodgkin's lymphoma, you dog,' he wrote.

In an interview with Woman's Day, Pete explained that he had no symptoms other than swollen lymph nodes.

'The diagnosis was a complete shock. Given I had no other symptoms and felt completely healthy, I asked the doctor if I could start treatment after the competition,' Pete said.

'She told me I'd possibly die, and that's when the severity of the situation really hit me and replaced the disappointment.'


Pete began chemotherapy one week after his diagnosis.

'From there, I just wanted to start treatment as soon as possible and get better for my family,' he shared.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system—a crucial part of the body's immune system that fights infections and removes waste.

The disease causes certain cells in the lymphatic system to grow abnormally, forming swellings (lymph nodes) on the neck, armpit, or groin.

These damaged cells lose their infection-fighting abilities, making patients more vulnerable to illness.


Hodgkin lymphoma may affect people of any age, but it's most common in men between 20 and 40 and seniors over 75 years old.

The good news is that, with early diagnosis and modern treatments, many people with Hodgkin lymphoma go on to live long, healthy lives.

Pete's story was a reminder not to ignore unusual symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.

Swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats can all be warning signs of something more serious.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, consult a general practitioner immediately.

We wish Pete Campbell a speedy recovery and all the best in the future.
Have you or someone you know faced a health challenge that was deemed life-changing? How did you cope with this challenge, and what advice would you give to others? Share your thoughts and well wishes for Pete Campbell in the comments section below