Meghan Markle to co-host Junior MasterChef Australia

Meghan Markle is set to return to Australian television as a co-host for the upcoming season of Junior MasterChef Australia. Channel Ten announced the Duchess of Sussex's new role in a press release issued on Tuesday, noting that the children’s cooking competition will return next year following a six-year hiatus.

Channel Ten Confirms Meghan Markle's Co-Hosting Role alongside Poh Ling Yeow

Meghan will join the revived programme as a special guest alongside chef and presenter Poh Ling Yeow, according to Network Ten and its parent company, Paramount ANZ. The upcoming series is produced by Endemol Shine Australia, a part of Banijay Entertainment, with Banijay Rights managing international distribution.

The appointment follows Meghan's guest-judging appearance on MasterChef Australia earlier this year. According to Variety and statements from Paramount ANZ, that episode attracted the programme's largest Sunday audience since 2023. Reflecting on her previous stint, Meghan stated that working with the team in April made accepting the new invitation an easy yes.

"I can’t wait to see what they cook up!"

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, via Entertainment Daily

Co-host Poh Ling Yeow anticipated culinary surprises and youthful mischief from the contestants, adding that being reunited will be a real treat after filming together earlier this year. Meghan also noted that her enjoyment of cooking with her own children at home influenced her decision to join the young chefs in the kitchen.

Network Ten and BBC Address Financial and Tour Context

The announcement follows a four-day tour of Australia that Meghan and Prince Harry undertook in April. Her initial MasterChef debut was announced on the second day of that tour—a Wednesday on which she was absent from public-facing engagements while filming. While it is understood she was not paid for that guest appearance, Australia's Network 10 did not respond to BBC inquiries regarding whether she will receive compensation for co-hosting the Junior MasterChef series.

Meghan's television experience includes hosting two seasons of her Netflix lifestyle and cookery programme, With Love, Meghan, which debuted in 2025 alongside a Christmas special. That arrangement concluded around the time her Netflix partnership ended. She also launched her lifestyle brand As Ever, though its partnership with the streaming platform ended in March. Last year, her trademark was registered across more than a dozen product categories in Australia, including cookware and table linen.

Detail	Information
Network	Network Ten (Paramount ANZ)
Production	Endemol Shine Australia (Banijay Entertainment)
Co-Hosts	Meghan Markle and Poh Ling Yeow
Previous Australian Tour	April (Four-day tour)
Previous Television Project	With Love, Meghan (Netflix, 2025)

Scrutiny Surrounds Thomas Markle Allegations as Duchess Accepts Role

The television announcement comes as Meghan faces increased public scrutiny regarding allegations involving her father, Thomas Markle, who has been accused of possessing child sexual abuse images. Thomas Markle has strongly denied the accusations, characterizing them as lies intended to damage his reputation.

In a separate statement addressing the matter, Meghan expressed deep distress and concern for any children who may have been harmed. She stated that she was first made aware of a letter containing allegations against her father in 2018 and was assured the claims were under investigation. According to the BBC, Meghan broke contact with her father last year, informing him that she and authorities were aware of the accusations.

Meghan concluded her statement on the matter: Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children. Concurrently, royal watchers and media outlets have noted additional family appeals, including separate remarks from her brother, Thomas Markle Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role will Meghan Markle play on Junior MasterChef Australia?

Meghan Markle will serve as a co-host alongside chef and presenter Poh Ling Yeow when the children's cooking competition returns next year.

Who is producing the revived series?

The series is produced by Endemol Shine Australia, part of Banijay Entertainment, and will air on Network Ten in Australia.

What did Thomas Markle say about the allegations against him?

Thomas Markle has strongly denied the accusations of possessing child sexual abuse images, calling them lies.

As Network Ten prepares for production ahead of the 2027 broadcast, viewers and industry analysts await further details regarding the full contestant roster, additional guest judges, and broadcast scheduling for the upcoming season.