In brief
Meghan Markle will co‑host the 2027 season of Junior MasterChef Australia alongside regular host Poh Ling Yeow. The announcement follows her guest judge appearance on MasterChef Australia last year and her return to Australia during a four‑day tour with Prince Harry. Reports say she has not been paid for the role, and the co‑hosting comes as the Duchess has faced increased scrutiny after her father Thomas Markle was accused of child sexual abuse. Meghan has reportedly broken contact with her father, who denies the allegations, and her previous media ventures have seen mixed success. The move marks a new chapter in her public life as she continues to navigate her role outside royal duties.
Meghan Markle Joins Junior MasterChef Australia as Co‑Host
The Duchess of Sussex has been confirmed as a special guest co‑host of Junior MasterChef Australia for its 2027 season, working alongside established host Poh Ling Yeow. Channel 10 announced the pairing ahead of the series’ launch.
Meghan said she is excited to return to the show after her guest‑judge stint on MasterChef Australia the previous year, which drew the network’s largest Sunday audience since 2023. While Channel 10 has not yet commentated on whether the Duchess will receive payment for the role, reports suggest she has not been paid for her appearances.
The announcement comes amid continued scrutiny and legal drama surrounding her father, Thomas Markle, who has been accused of child sexual abuse. The Duchess reportedly severed ties with her father last year after learning he had abused young girls, a claim he denies and has denounced as “lies” intended to destroy his reputation.
Meghan’s return to Australia follows a four‑day tour of the country with Prince Harry in April, during which her MasterChef debut was announced. The tour marked a rare public appearance by the Duchess since her and Prince Harry’s step‑back from royal duties in 2020 and subsequent move to California in March.
Her media career has seen a mix of highs and lows: a high‑profile interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix and Spotify deal, a short‑lived lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan”, and a food‑range brand “As Ever”, which ended its partnership with Netflix in March. She also registered trademarks for cookware and table linen in Australia last year.
As the Duchess steps into a new entertainment role, the public and media alike are watching how her culinary appearances will intersect with her ongoing personal and legal challenges.
