Meghan Markle to Co-Host Junior MasterChef Australia
The Duchess of Sussex will return to Australian television for the children's cooking competition, with potential for her family to join her.
Meghan Markle is set to co-host the upcoming season of Junior MasterChef Australia, a studio announcement confirmed Tuesday. The Duchess of Sussex expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I can't wait to return to the programme." She will join regular host Poh Ling Yeow, having previously appeared as a guest judge on the adult version of the show earlier this year.
"I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes," Markle said. "I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what they cook up."
Paramount Australia announced Markle's return to Australian television, with the program slated to air next year on Network Ten. This marks the return of the junior series six years after its last installment. Paramount noted that Markle's appearance in April drew the program's largest Sunday audience since 2023.
"With Poh’s culinary expertise and Meghan’s enthusiasm for cooking and nurturing young talent, Junior MasterChef Australia promises to serve up plenty of inspiration as the next generation of Australian cooks steps into the kitchen," the studio stated.
The Duchess, 45, is expected to spend several weeks in Melbourne next year to film the series. A source indicated to News.com.au that Prince Harry and their two children may join her in Australia during this period, though plans are not confirmed. The Sussexes have recently relocated back to the UK from the United States and have reportedly adopted a more international lifestyle, with sources suggesting they are keen to remain flexible about their extended living arrangements, and Australia has been considered among potential destinations.
Markle's casting comes a few months after her guest appearance on MasterChef Australia in April. During her visit to Melbourne with Prince Harry, she filmed a segment for the flagship cooking series. At the time of airing, viewers noted her warm demeanor and thoughtful feedback, with social media users describing her as "graceful," "down to earth," and "genuinely nice."
Separately, news emerged that Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr., is reportedly facing an investigation in the Philippines following allegations of child abuse material discovered at a property linked to him. Philippine authorities have reportedly been contacted by the FBI regarding the matter. Thomas Markle Jr. claims a large stash of such material was found on computers and phones at his father's former residence in Cebu province.
Meghan, who has been estranged from her father for years, stated in a release that she was first made aware of "troubling and disturbing" allegations against him by the Met Police in 2018. She said this news has left her "deeply distressed" and was behind her decision to never allow her father to meet Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, a choice she made to "safeguard" them. Her father has denied owning such material and claims the accusations are lies fabricated by his son.