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The tragic reason Casey Donovan has been quiet since winning I'm A Celebrity.

Just weeks ago, Casey Donovan became the first non-male, non-athlete winner of reality TV series I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.

She battled through six weeks of ‘roughing it’ in the bush, facing tucker trials and other physical challenges, along with the mental challenge of being isolated from friends and family.

Casey Donovan. Image via Channel 10.

But in the weeks since her return from South Africa, she's been very quiet, and there's a heartbreaking reason why: her stepdad, Norm Axford, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the show, Confidential reports.

Her mum broke the news to her just hours after she was crowned the winner of the reality series, with the 65-year-old underwent surgery just days after Donovan returned home.

Casey was told the news just after she won the I'm A Celebrity crown. Image via Instagram.

"It has definitely been a moment for family," she told Confidential.

"On top of all the highs, I haven't actually had time to comprehend that high because we are going day by day making sure Dad is OK."

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LISTEN: The Binge's Laura Brodnik and Tiffany Dunk talk about the importance of Casey Donovan being crowned Queen of the Jungle. Post continues... 

Despite her family's health battle, she is still set to perform at this year's Logie awards later this month, and just flew to the UK for a 'top secret project'.

Being by her father's side - who has been in her life since she was years old - has made her want to spread awareness about the "second leading killer in the cancer family".

"Norm wants to make sure people get themselves checked out," she said.

"And he couldn't be more thankful for the staff at Bankstown Hospital for the level of professionalism but also the comfort and support they’ve given him and us as a family."