Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to co-host Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027
By Tanishq BhattEntertainment Writer, Peepals Global
Representative image: congerdesign / Pixabay
Network 10 said on October 27, 2026 that Meghan will co-host Junior MasterChef Australia with Poh Ling Yeow when it returns in 2027.
What Happened
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will co-host the returning Junior MasterChef Australia alongside chef and television presenter Poh Ling Yeow, Australia's Network 10 announced on October 27, 2026. The children's cooking competition is set to return in 2027 after a six-year break, with filming expected in Melbourne in the first half of next year. In a statement, Meghan said that after a good experience appearing on MasterChef Australia in April, the chance to work with young contestants was "an easy yes". Some reports, citing the network's press release, describe her role as that of a "special guest" on the new series.
Key Facts
- Network 10 announced on October 27, 2026 that Meghan will co-host the new Junior MasterChef Australia with Poh Ling Yeow.
- The show returns in 2027 after a six-year break; filming is expected in Melbourne in early to mid-2027.
- Meghan appeared on MasterChef Australia in April 2026, which she said was a good experience.
- She described the offer to work with young cooks as "an easy yes".
- The BBC has reported that she was not paid for the April episode; the network did not say whether she will be paid for the new series.
- Plans for her husband, Prince Harry, and their children to join her during filming have not been finalised, according to reports.
Why It Matters
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan has kept a high public profile, and much of her recent work has centred on food and home life. Her April appearance on MasterChef Australia was her first step into the franchise; this announcement turns a one-off guest spot into a role on a full series. It gives her a regular presence on mainstream television outside the United States and Britain, and ties her to a format that families watch together.
For Network 10 and its parent company, bringing back Junior MasterChef with a globally famous name is a clear bet on attention. Cooking shows for children rely on warmth and family appeal, and a well-known co-host can draw viewers who might not normally watch. MasterChef is one of the best-known television formats in the world, with local versions in many countries, including India, so news about the Australian show travels far beyond Australia.
Her partner on the show, Poh Ling Yeow, is a familiar face to Australian viewers. Pairing a globally known newcomer with an experienced cook and presenter is a common way for networks to balance star power with credibility in the kitchen, especially on a show where the contestants are children who need patient guidance.
The questions around the role reflect how closely Meghan's every move is followed. Whether she is paid, whether her family travels with her and what exactly "co-host" will mean on screen are all being discussed. The network's own wording, which some outlets report as "special guest", suggests her role could be more limited than a full-time presenter.
| Detail | What is known |
|---|---|
| Show | Junior MasterChef Australia, returning in 2027 |
| Co-host | Poh Ling Yeow |
| Filming | Melbourne, early to mid-2027 |
| Meghan's earlier appearance | MasterChef Australia, April 2026 |
Impact
Short-term: The announcement brings international attention to the show's return well before filming starts, and is likely to boost interest in the franchise.
Long-term: If the series succeeds, it could lead to more television work for Meghan in food and family programming, and encourage other networks to cast high-profile names in children's formats.
Who is affected: Network 10 and its viewers, young home cooks hoping to appear on the show, fans of the MasterChef franchise worldwide, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Key Takeaway
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will co-host Junior MasterChef Australia when it returns in 2027 after six years off air, calling the chance to work with young cooks "an easy yes".
Questions and Answers
What new TV role has Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, taken?
She will co-host Junior MasterChef Australia with Poh Ling Yeow when the children's cooking show returns in 2027, Network 10 announced on October 27, 2026.
When and where will the show be filmed?
Filming is expected in Melbourne in early to mid-2027, with the series returning after a six-year break.
Why did Meghan agree to the role?
She said that after a good experience on MasterChef Australia in April 2026, working with young contestants was "an easy yes".
Will Meghan be paid for Junior MasterChef Australia?
That has not been confirmed. The BBC reported she was not paid for her April appearance, and the network did not say whether she will be paid for the new series.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
By Tanishq Bhatt, Entertainment WriterCovers Entertainment and more for Peepals Global. All stories by Tanishq Bhatt
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Tanishq Bhatt is a pen name of the Peepals Global Editorial Team, which researches, fact-checks and publishes every story. The portrait is an illustration.
