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Network 10 announced on October 27, 2026, that the Duchess of Sussex will serve as a special guest co-host for the rebooted Junior MasterChef Australia. She will appear alongside Poh Ling Yeow to guide contestants aged nine to 13 in the kitchen. The children’s cooking competition last screened in 2020 and forms part of the long-running MasterChef franchise produced by Endemol Shine Australia for Paramount ANZ. The broadcaster confirmed the series will return next year following the success of the adult edition.
Markle’s involvement follows her guest judge appearance on MasterChef Australia in April 2026 during a visit to the country with Prince Harry. Paramount ANZ data showed that episode drew the program’s largest Sunday audience since 2023. The network released a statement detailing her return to work with younger participants in the revived junior format. Filming for the children’s series is expected to begin in Melbourne once production on the adult show concludes around May 2027.
In the announcement, Markle 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.” She added, “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!” The duchess had previously described her affinity for Australia in earlier interviews tied to the franchise.
Poh Ling Yeow stated in the same Network 10 release that she was thrilled about the return of Junior MasterChef after years of public inquiries. Yeow noted, “I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat.” The judge will also return for the 19th season of the adult MasterChef Australia alongside other regulars. The production is slated to take two to three weeks in Melbourne.
A Variety report highlighted that the booking represents a strategic move for Network 10 to leverage an internationally recognized figure for the revived format. Markle’s Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan earned an Emmy nomination and focused on cooking and hosting elements. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution of the junior series. The franchise has maintained a strong following in Australia across its multiple iterations.
