MasterChef’s Reece Hignell says filming the show took a toll on his relationship

MasterChef’s Reece Hignell admits that filming the show for six months was ‘hard’ on his relationship and made him feel ‘guilty’

He was forced to spend six months away from his partner, Dene Whitfield, during his first stint on MasterChef in 2018.

And fan favourite Reece Hignell, 28, has admitted to TV Week that the pressure did take a toll on his six-year relationship.

‘Leaving your partner for six months is hard – it was tough,’ he said.

Taking a toll: Reece Hignell (left) has admitted that being away for six months to film MasterChef was ‘hard’ on his relationship with his partner, Dene Whitfield. Reece is pictured here with his co-star Brendan Pang (right)

‘Dean was at home looking after bills by himself, and I’m out here not contributing,’ he added.

The reality star also admitted he felt ‘guilty’ for not being able to call as often as he would have liked due to the hectic filming schedule.

However, the couple worked through the rough patch and when Reece got the call to appear on MasterChef: Back to Win, Dene didn’t hesitate to tell him to go for it.

Supportive: Despite spending six months apart when Reece's was on MasterChef in 2018, Dene (left) 'was super excited' when his partner was invited to return for the Back to Win series

Supportive: Despite spending six months apart when Reece’s was on MasterChef in 2018, Dene (left) ‘was super excited’ when his partner was invited to return for the Back to Win series

‘Dene was super excited for me to return, maybe even more excited than I was!’ Reece told Woman’s Day in April.

The talented chef has made it to the final five of Channel 10’s cooking competition.

He will battle against Laura Sharrad, Reynold Poernomo, Callum Hann and Emelia Jackson for the top spot and $250,000 cash prize.

So close to the finish line! Reece has made it to the final five of MasterChef this year. He will battle against Laura Sharrad (second from right), Reynold Poernomo (left), Callum Hann (second from left) and Emelia Jackson (right) for the top spot and $250,000 cash prize

So close to the finish line! Reece has made it to the final five of MasterChef this year. He will battle against Laura Sharrad (second from right), Reynold Poernomo (left), Callum Hann (second from left) and Emelia Jackson (right) for the top spot and $250,000 cash prize

MasterChef fans did a double take when Reece returned to the kitchen this season, after he lost a massive 35kg in the two years since he last appeared on TV.

After throwback footage of Reece aired last month, fans were quick to comment on how ‘different’ he looked after his health and fitness overhaul. 

MasterChef continues Sunday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 

What a transformation! MasterChef fans did a double take when Reece returned to the kitchen last month, after he lost a massive 35kg in the two years since he last appeared on TV. Pictured in 2018

What a transformation! MasterChef fans did a double take when Reece returned to the kitchen last month, after he lost a massive 35kg in the two years since he last appeared on TV

What a transformation! MasterChef fans did a double take when Reece returned to the kitchen last month, after he lost a massive 35kg in the two years since he last appeared on TV. Pictured left: Reece in 2018