Latest news with #BacktoWin
The Spinoff
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Meet the New Zealander on his second lap of the Masterchef kitchen
Tara Ward talks to Ben Macdonald about the highs and lows of competing on Masterchef Australia: Back to Win. Anyone who watches Masterchef Australia will know about the Masterchef pantry. It's a feast for the eyes, a room filled with endless shelves of colourful produce and huge fridges stuffed full of delicious delicacies. Few of us will ever experience its culinary wonders in person – apart from New Zealander Ben Macdonald, who has experienced the delights of that luxurious larder not once, but twice, and reckons there's no other kitchen cupboard like it. 'Oh my god, the pantry is amazing,' MacDonald gasps down the phone. 'You go in and there's all these crazy things you dream of cooking with: truffles, pigeons, salt cod.' Macdonald is back among the truffles and salt cod for the new season of Masterchef Australia: Back to Win, which began this week on TVNZ. Back to Win features 24 former contestants from across the show's 16 seasons, who are returning for a second – and in some cases, third – chance to win the esteemed title of Masterchef and $250,000 in prize money. Macdonald is the season's only international competitor, having first appeared on the show in 2014, and he believes the contents of the pantry have only gotten more impressive since then. Back in 2014, Macdonald was a keen amateur chef living in Brisbane and working as a software consultant when he applied for season six of Masterchef Australia. He came sixth, cooking for guest judges like Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, and describes his original Masterchef experience as 'an absolute rollercoaster'. 'You go from winning something and being elated, to a few episodes later doing something wrong and you're one step away from being out the door,' he says. By the time Masterchef came calling again a decade later, Macdonald had spent several years working in restaurants in Australia and Aotearoa. He was back working in software in his hometown of Auckland and showing his season of Masterchef to his two young daughters, when the offer to return to the show came through. He'd always considered his stint on the culinary series to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and says he couldn't resist from donning the famous Masterchef apron once again. While he knew going back to Masterchef wouldn't be easy, Macdonald was surprised at how challenging the series had become. 'I thought I'd just step back in, but then you can't find a peeler and you can't find the panko crumbs in the pantry, and it's like, 'oh my god'.' Those early nerves were magnified by the intense competition and a far higher standard of cooking than in 2014 (one contestant is even a judge on Masterchef Singapore). 'There are no bad chefs,' says Macdonald of his fellow competitors. 'It was super competitive, right from day one.' Macdonald prepared by memorising recipes and practicing certain techniques, but quickly realised that the knowledge he'd gained over the past decade was his most valuable asset of all. Masterchef demands quick thinking and steady focus, and he found that being creative – choosing an unusual ingredient from the pantry, for example – was the best way to stand out from the competition. 'You've got to put a lot of thought into it, because if you choose wrong from the beginning, it's very hard to change halfway through.' It's only the first week of the Back to Win season, but Macdonald has already proved he's the chef to watch. In the show's second challenge, he cooked for Gordon Ramsay and won the coveted immunity pin, impressing the hot-headed celebrity judge with his calmness under pressure and attention to detail. Ramsay called Macdonald's meal of roasted duck breast 'exceptional' (despite Macdonald mixing up his sauces), while Macdonald described cooking for Ramsay a 'money can't buy' experience. 'When things go well, it's an unbelievable feeling,' Macdonald says of the show's intense, fast-paced challenges. 'As long as you can stay cool in those situations, there's a massive opportunity to flourish.' No matter how stressful those frenetic pantry raids get, Macdonald has no regrets about returning to what he thinks is the best reality show on television. 'Masterchef Australia isn't there to make heroes and villains,' he says. 'It's there to showcase people's true personalities and the food they make.' What you see is what you get on Masterchef, he believes, and while cooking on the telly was hard work, Macdonald was determined to make his second time in the Masterchef kitchen his most enjoyable yet. 'It's really, really hard, but it's also really, really fun. Sometimes you have a disaster, but you just have to laugh about it.' As for anyone who wants to follow him into the Masterchef pantry, Macdonald reckons they should just give it a go.
7NEWS
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
MasterChef Australia contestant Pete Campbell leaves Back to Win season following shock cancer diagnosis
A MasterChef contestant on this year's Back to Win season has been forced to leave the show following a shock cancer diagnosis. 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.' 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.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MasterChef star breaks silence after being forced to exit the competition early
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." 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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pete Campbell (@ RELATED: MasterChef's Hayden Quinn reveals $2 Woolworths product that's essential for winter cooking Former MasterChef star Hayden Quinn weighs in on major fan gripe: 'Made one little mistake' MasterChef fans slam season premiere for major 'mistake': 'My least fave' "Would have loved to have cooked beside you Pete and to have gotten to know you! Hope you're doing well," Alana Lowes added. "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 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. 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." SHOP: 🍕 Domino's brings back 'unexpected' $7 menu item: 'Soft and fluffy' ⚡️ Secret spot to get away from the crowds at Sydney Harbour during Vivid 2025: 'Incredible' 💅 Aussie company making beauty more accessible and less of a burden 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.
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
MasterChef contestant exits show after SHOCKING news
A MasterChef contestant on this year's Back to Win season has been forced to leave the show following a shock cancer diagnosis. 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.
Sky News AU
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'A complete shock': MasterChef star Pete Campbell reveals heartbreaking cancer battle following his abrupt exit from show
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. 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. 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. "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."
