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MasterChef's Declan speaks out after shock elimination: 'So proud'
EXCLUSIVE: Season 15's youngest contestant opens up about his future plans.
MasterChef viewers were left baffled on Thursday night when fan-favourite contestant Declan Cleary was sent home right before the finale.
The 24-year-old carpenter, who won the first Immunity Pin of the season, had both fans and fellow contestants rooting for him to win the show after how much he has grown throughout the competition.
He has also been praised on social media all season long for his kindness, sportsmanship and humility, as well as being a “wonderful human being”.
Despite the fact that he just missed out on a spot in the finale, Declan tells Yahoo Lifestyle he feels extremely grateful for the “bloody awesome experience” he had.
“I’m so pleased that I made it that far, and being in 49 out of 50 episodes is such an achievement,” he shares.
“I’m super proud of myself, I know all my family is absolutely over the moon for me, and the feedback from the fans on social platforms and all across Australia is just amazing. I really hope that I've inspired some people and I can change some people's lives along the way.
“I would have loved to have come first but I didn’t, so here I am. I’m in a good headspace and I’m keen to follow my culinary dreams and keep on pursuing this hospitality journey.”
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Declan adds that he feels lucky to have formed such special bonds with his co-stars, and he’s proud of how he stayed true to himself throughout the competition.
“I left everything behind at home and I came onto MasterChef for one thing and one thing only, and that was to cook,” he details.
“I didn't want to get caught up in any drama or let the anxiety of the challenges and the stress get to me too much because at the end of the day, there's a lot of stuff going on in the world that could be worse and I was just very grateful for where I was at that current time.”
Post-show plans
Speaking about his plans after the show, Declan teases that he has a number of exciting projects in the works.
“I'll definitely approach the future with an open mind and determination to make the most of the opportunities that come my way,” he says.
SHOP:
“I'm just eager to hone my skills and expand my culinary knowledge even more, collaborate with a few fellow contestants that I really kicked it off with. And I definitely think a seafood book or some nice simple meals for some people my age - or any age really.
“I just want to inspire people that you can cook decent affordable food at home and maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat great food. So definitely a few things in the foreseeable future happening.”
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