NAIROBI, Kenya – Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is returning to Australian television in 2027, joining Junior MasterChef Australia as a special guest as the cooking competition makes its comeback after a six-year absence.
Network 10 confirmed on Tuesday that Meghan will appear alongside presenter and chef Poh Ling Yeow, who will guide a new generation of young contestants through the competition.
The announcement marks Meghan’s second appearance in the MasterChef Australia franchise after her guest judging debut earlier in 2026 attracted the programme’s largest Sunday audience since 2023, according to the network’s parent company, Paramount ANZ.
Meghan said she readily accepted the invitation after enjoying her previous experience with the production team.
“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,” she said in a statement released by the producers.
“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!”
Junior MasterChef Returns After Six Years
The revival will bring back the junior version of the popular Australian cooking competition for the first time since its previous season aired in 2020.
The programme gives young aspiring chefs a platform to demonstrate their cooking skills, creativity and ability to work under pressure.
Yeow welcomed the show’s return, saying she was looking forward to reuniting with Meghan and meeting the young contestants.
“I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat,” she said.
Yeow is also scheduled to return as a judge on the 19th season of MasterChef Australia in 2027, alongside Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.
The producers have yet to announce a specific premiere date for the new junior series.
Meghan’s Television and Lifestyle Career
The appearance adds to Meghan’s television work following her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, which explored cooking, entertaining and home life.
She previously appeared as a guest judge on the American cooking competition Chopped Junior in 2016, giving her experience working with younger contestants before her Australian television return.
Her first MasterChef Australia appearance was filmed during her April 2026 visit to the country with Prince Harry. The couple’s trip drew attention as they undertook public engagements separate from their former official royal duties.
It remains unclear whether Meghan will receive payment for the 2027 appearance. Network 10 had not publicly confirmed the financial arrangements in the reports surrounding the announcement.
Announcement Comes Amid Scrutiny Over Her Father
The television announcement comes as Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, faces renewed scrutiny over allegations involving child sexual abuse material.
According to recent media reports, the allegations were raised by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who said he had found material at their father’s former home in the Philippines and reported it to authorities.
Thomas Markle has denied the allegations, describing them as lies intended to damage his reputation.
For now, the confirmed development in Meghan’s professional calendar is her return to the MasterChef franchise, where she will join Yeow in encouraging young cooks when Junior MasterChef Australia returns to Network 10 in 2027.
