“I Thought I Was Dying!” MasterChef’s Aaron Kher Breaks Down Revealing the Terrifying Medical Episode Cameras Missed!
During the Channel 10 show’s semi-final, the 32-year-old was cooking when he realised something wasn’t quite right.
MasterChef contestant Aaron Kher revealed the horrific medical episode he suffered behind-the-scenes of the Channel 10 show’s semi-final.
Monday’s episode saw Petro Papathomas, Vinnie Gibaldi and Aaron compete in a service challenge, where they each had to create a main course and a dessert to feed 20 people and three judges in just three hours.
It was only the second service challenge of the season, where contestants had to prepare several meals for outsiders to enjoy.
There was a lot on the line, with the contestant who failed to live up to the judges’ scrutiny being sent home and losing a chance at the crown.
Aaron Kher (left), Vinnie Gibaldi (centre) and Petro Papathomas (right) were the semi-finalists for MasterChef 2026.
(Channel 10)
Aaron, a 32-year-old medical product specialist, put everything on the line for a spot in the grand final — including his own health.
“The crew actually had to come up to me and give me a lot of sugar because I was going to pass out,” Aaron told TV WEEK.
“I had nothing left in the tank.”
What happened in the MasterChef semi-final?
Sadly, it still didn’t pan out for Aaron, who was eliminated following the incredibly stressful and taxing challenge.
Aaron made a pork loin chop served with three sauces, which the judges said clashed when he attempted to mix Asian flavours with French cooking techniques.
They said for him to even be considered, his dessert had to wow them – and it did.
Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli were stunned when he made a basil ice cream with a tomato, strawberry and white balsamic granita.
The judges said it was an incredibly close call, but Petro and Vinnie were eventually declared the top two.
Fans were heartbroken at the result.
“Poor Aaron. I really hope he doesn’t take it to heart. He’s so incredible, and everyone knows it,” said one viewer.
Aaron revealed he suffered a medical episode during the show’s semi-final.
(Channel 10)
“Won’t be the last we hear of Aaron. He’s too personable and talented. Watch this space,” added another.
But Aaron said it’s far from the end of his cooking journey, revealing that he’s started working at a sushi restaurant and has some pop-ups coming up throughout the year.
“From day one to now, I’m a completely different person,” he told TV WEEK.
“It helped me rediscover who I really am and stop putting up a façade. It taught me to express myself and be real with how I feel.”
What do we know about the MasterChef grand finale?
Petro and Vinnie will go head-to-head to see who will win the $250,000 prize money.
The duo will have to compete in two challenges, with the first being a Mystery Box challenge where they will have just 75 minutes to create a dish in honour of one of the guest judges who appeared in the season.
The second challenge will be set by pastry chef Cherish Finden, where contestants will have five hours to replicate three of her petit gateaux for an extravagant Chinese afternoon tea.
Petro and Vinnie will have to create three of each dish.
The grand finale airs on Channel 10 on August 9 at 7pm.