Meghan Markle to Join Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027
The Duchess of Sussex will appear as a special guest on the upcoming season of the popular cooking programme.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Cooking
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Network 10 has announced that Meghan Markle will join the cast of Junior MasterChef Australia as a special guest in 2027. She is set to work alongside host and judge Poh Ling Yeow to mentor young contestants during the upcoming season.
Why it matters
The network secured Meghan's involvement following her successful appearance on MasterChef Australia in April 2026. Her participation aims to bring further attention to the programme as it returns to television screens across the nation.
Junior MasterChef Australia is set to return to Network 10 in 2027 after a six-year hiatus. The programme is produced by Endemol Shine Australia.
The players
Meghan Markle
She is the Duchess of Sussex and a former actor who previously starred in the legal drama series Suits.
Poh Ling Yeow
She is a prominent Australian chef, television presenter, and host of Junior MasterChef Australia.
Network 10
This is a major Australian commercial television network that broadcasts popular reality and cooking programmes.
Endemol Shine Australia
This is a leading production company responsible for creating various television content for the Australian market.
The details
Meghan Markle will serve as a special guest, drawing on her past experience as a guest judge on Chopped Junior in 2016 and her 2026 appearance on the Australian version of the MasterChef franchise. The production will feature her providing guidance to young chefs under the mentorship of host Poh Ling Yeow.
Timeline
Meghan Markle appeared as a guest judge on Chopped Junior in 2016.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back from senior royal roles in 2020.
Meghan Markle appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia in April 2026.
Junior MasterChef Australia is scheduled to return to Network 10 in 2027.
Culture Shift
The involvement of global public figures in reality television reflects a broader trend of celebrity brand expansion into lifestyle programming. This move leverages existing media partnerships to boost engagement in established franchises like Junior MasterChef Australia.
Viewers can expect the return of the programme to influence local household entertainment schedules in 2027. Fans of the series should prepare for potential changes in show format or scheduling as the network prepares for the series relaunch.
The takeaway
The return of a long-running cooking programme indicates a shift toward reinvigorating legacy television formats with high-profile guest mentors. Audiences can monitor Network 10 announcements for updates on when auditions or broadcast schedules are finalised.
Further reading
Learn more about local culinary programmes by visiting the Cooking section.
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