Meghan to Co-Host Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027

The Duchess of Sussex has been confirmed as a co-host for the upcoming season of Junior MasterChef Australia, set to air in 2027. Meghan will join current MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow as a "special guest" on the children's cooking competition, which features contestants aged nine to 13 Source: BBCSource: The Guardian.

The Announcement

Meghan's return to the MasterChef kitchen follows her appearance as a guest judge on the adult version earlier this year, which drew the show's "largest Sunday audience since 2023" Source: BBC. In a statement, Meghan said, "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" Source: The Guardian. Production will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds, though no specific date has been set Source: The Guardian.

Family Context

The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, who has been accused of possessing child sexual abuse images. Markle denies the allegations, calling them "lies" Source: BBC. Meghan revealed through a spokesperson that the Metropolitan Police made her aware of "disturbing allegations" against him in 2019 Source: The Guardian. The BBC reports that Meghan broke contact with her father last year, telling him she and authorities knew he had abused young girls Source: BBC.

What's Next

It remains unclear whether the role will require a temporary relocation to Australia for Meghan, Prince Harry, and their children, who recently moved to the UK after living in California Source: The Guardian. Meanwhile, Meghan's Netflix lifestyle show With Love, Meghan has reportedly not been renewed for a third season Source: The Guardian.