Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to take on a new role as co-host of “Junior MasterChef Australia.”
The news was announced in a press release from Australia’s Channel 10 on Tuesday, saying that Markle would feature as a “special guest” on a new series next year alongside chef and presenter Poh Ling Yeow. She previously appeared on “MasterChef Australia” as a guest judge earlier this year, drawing the show’s largest Sunday audience since 2023, and hosts her own lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix.
“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 in a statement. “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!”
Added Yeow, “I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can’t wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers — I’m expecting plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief, too.”
Markle and Prince Harry recently moved back to the U.K. after six years in California. Since returning, it was reported that the former “Suits” star wished to return to acting, with a rumored role in “The Gentlemen” Season 3 that remains unconfirmed.
She has been in the headlines in the past week after speaking out following allegations that her father, Thomas Markle, possessed child sex abuse images. Thomas Markle has denied the allegations.
“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” Markle said in a statement, adding that in 2018, a letter about her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit and was “subsequently shared” with her. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” she said.
“Junior MasterChef Australia” is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), part of media and entertainment group Banijay Entertainment, and distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.