‘YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG’

WHY THE BRAVE TEENAGER IS SUCH AN INSPIRATION

For Queensland’s Tiffany, being on Junior Masterchef means the world. “I was in tears when I found out I would be on it,” the 14-year-old tells New Idea. “I’ve loved watching Masterchef all my life.”

What makes Tiffany even more of a champion is the fact the courageous cook is battling a serious illness – juvenile arthritis. She tells us more …

WHEN WERE YOU FIRST DIAGNOSED WITH JUVENILE ARTHRITIS?

I was originally diagnosed when I was 3 years old. There was a lot that went into me getting better, and I was in remission for many years. I was dancing and swimming – I was like any child. But in 2018, it came back and we’re not sure why.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN IDEA OF WHAT IT FEELS LIKE?

My illness is systemic, which means it affects all of my joints and organs. If I’m in a very bad way, the pain is excruciating – it goes from your head to your toe, and I wouldn’t wish that on anybody. When I was younger I had to mature a lot faster than kids my age to be able to get through something as tough as this. You just had to suck it up and be strong.

DOES IT AFFECT YOUR COOKING?

When I’m in a bad way, I can’t leave my bed. When I am able to cook, I’m just as capable as any other kid. I love cooking and there is nothing that can really stop me, other than arthritis. And I can push through a lot.

DID YOU ENJOY BEING ON THE SHOW?

It was just a dream come true to be in the kitchen and make friends, but at the same time it was so stressful because it’s top-level cooking and knowing what to do next is really difficult.

Well, this is a real eye-opener into what really goes on in the Outback. Every year, ringers like Liz and Willie Cook strike a deal with landowners and make their money catching feral bulls and buffalo. This is not a job for the faint-hearted – or those who feel sorry for the animals. Streaking along the wild countryside in modified Mad Max-style 4WDS hunting animals may not be everyone’s cup of Milo, but somebody’s got to do it, right?

TUE. 8PM ON ABC

Dominic wasn’t wearing his wedding ring as he passionately embraced Lily.