Meghan Markle has been unveiled as a celebrity judge on MasterChef in news which leaves the contestants gobsmacked. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, gushes that she's "so excited" to be part of the programme as she slinks onto the set, dressed all in black, in jaw-dropping scenes.
In one of the biggest surprises in the show's history, the former Suits star is dramatically unveiled as a surprise guest judge in the iconic kitchen on the Australian version of the series in a newly released promo from Channel 10. The episode, filmed during Meghan's visit Down Under with Prince Harry in April, is scheduled to air on Sunday.
Promo reveals stunned contestants
The promo begins with current judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli introducing a mystery guest before Ms Markle glides into shot. As a table laden with fresh fruit and vegetables is unveiled to the now open-mouthed contestants, Meghan purrs: "I love incredible produce and farm to table. Really excited for this."
Contestant Aaron Kher was particularly flummoxed by the Duchess' appearance, as he muses - while fanning himself - : "Like, what is my life?" The trailer also reveals a glimpse at some of the culinary delights dished up on the day. One particular creation appears to leave Meghan in a trance, with the mum-of-two musing: "Rubbing my temples because I can't understand how this is so good."
Reports of royal protocol issue
It follows reports that Meghan and members of her team were left annoyed after allegedly asking MasterChef Australia producers not to refer to her as 'royalty'. In a promotional clip released on the same day filming took place, judge Poh Ling Yeow welcomed the Duchess with what she believed was a fitting introduction. "We've had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before, but no one like this," Poh declares. "All the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia... The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle!"
According to New Idea, Poh was left feeling 'upset' after her introduction. "It wasn't about Meghan personally," a source told the publication. "Poh felt she had been unintentionally drawn into a royal protocol issue she never intended to be part of." Meanwhile, a separate insider alleged Poh had hoped to contact Meghan directly to apologise, but was advised to let the production team deal with the situation instead. "She was willing to reach out immediately," the source said. "But she was advised to leave it for production to handle."
Meghan's recent travels
After her trip Down Under, Meghan was in the UK last month when she came to visit King Charles with Harry and their children. The Duchess of Sussex revealed that she, Prince Harry and their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, visited Althorp - the Spencer family home - on their trip to Blighty in June. It came as she posted a series of snaps to her 4.7million Instagram followers with the caption 'Summer Holiday', with the carousel of 12 pictures including one taken at the Northamptonshire estate, now run by Harry's uncle and Diana's younger brother, Earl Spencer.
The Mirror has contacted Meghan's rep for comment on this story.
