Meghan to Co-Host Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has been confirmed as a special guest host on the upcoming season of Junior MasterChef Australia, marking her return to the popular cooking franchise after an appearance on the main programme earlier this year.

Australian broadcaster Channel 10 announced on Tuesday, 27 October, that Meghan will join television presenter and chef Poh Ling Yeow for the children’s cooking competition, which is scheduled to return in 2027 after a six-year break.

The programme will feature a new generation of young contestants showcasing their cooking skills, creativity and passion for food. Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne, although an official premiere date has not yet been announced. <Cite refs={[“turn901120search0″,”turn901120search1”]}/>

Meghan said she was delighted to return to the MasterChef kitchen after enjoying her previous experience with the team.

“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,” she said, adding that she was looking forward to seeing what the contestants would prepare.

Previous appearance attracted strong viewership

The announcement follows Meghan’s appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia earlier in 2026, during a visit to Australia with her husband, Prince Harry.

According to the programme’s production company, her appearance attracted the show’s largest Sunday audience since 2023, generating significant attention for the long-running cooking competition.

Her return will place her alongside Poh Ling Yeow, who is also expected to continue judging the main MasterChef Australia series in 2027.

Yeow welcomed the reunion, saying she enjoyed working with Meghan during their previous collaboration and was looking forward to meeting the young contestants.

The revival of Junior MasterChef Australia will give aspiring young cooks an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive television environment, while receiving guidance from experienced personalities in the culinary industry.

Meghan’s growing interest in food and lifestyle television

Meghan has expanded her media activities since stepping back from senior royal duties alongside Prince Harry in 2020.

Her projects have included television productions, interviews, a lifestyle series and the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which features food-related products.

Her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, explored cooking, entertaining and home-based activities across two seasons and a Christmas special.

Her involvement in Junior MasterChef Australia adds another project to her work in lifestyle and food television, building on her earlier experience as a guest judge on the American programme Chopped Junior in 2016.

The announcement also comes after reports that Meghan and Prince Harry relocated to the United Kingdom in August, following several years living in California.

Family controversy remains in the headlines

The television announcement comes amid renewed media attention surrounding Meghan’s relationship with her estranged father, Thomas Markle.

Authorities in the Philippines are reportedly investigating allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse images. Thomas Markle has denied the allegations, describing them as false.

Reports have also indicated that Meghan had ended contact with her father, with the family dispute attracting renewed public scrutiny. The allegations remain allegations and have not been established as proven facts. <Cite refs={[“turn901120search6″,”turn901120search9”]}/>

However, the latest television announcement centres on Meghan’s upcoming role in the Australian cooking competition and her continued involvement in entertainment and lifestyle projects.

With Junior MasterChef Australia returning in 2027, viewers can expect Meghan and Yeow to help guide a new group of young cooks as they compete to demonstrate their talent in the kitchen.