A petition against Meghan Markle's new role as co-host of Junior MasterChef Australia has drawn hundreds of signatures, with Australians questioning why local chefs were not chosen instead.
The petition was launched on the same day the Duchess of Sussex was confirmed as co-host of the show. Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne in early-to-mid 2027, with Meghan reportedly set to spend weeks in the city.
Mixed Reactions on Melbourne Streets
During a lunchtime street interview in Melbourne on Wednesday, several fans expressed opposition to her return. Les Aldridge, 81, said: "I'm not really a fan. I would sign the petition."
Selby Witteveen, 77, who lived in London and Hythe in Kent until 2020, said: "I hate her. She thinks she is a chef. Somebody had paid for her to come. She just wants money. She is there only trading on royalty, which she is no longer."
Rosa, 76, added: "I think it's a joke. Why do we need her? We have so many Australians that could do that job. I'm not a fan of hers. I think we should get an Australian to do it."
Supporters See Value in Her Presence
Not everyone opposed the decision. Peter Heywood, 39, said: "My thought is it's a name that grabs people's attention. There's more than just a chef's perspective on food."
Mark, a Brit on holiday, added: "I think they [Meghan and Harry] should be left alone and she has done well for herself. Let them get on with their lives."
Some younger Australians were unaware of who she was, with one person mistaking her for former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Previous Appearance Drew Praise
Meghan last visited Australia in April, appearing as a guest judge on the main MasterChef Australia series. Her appearance drew praise from fans, who highlighted her chemistry with co-host chef Poh Ling Yeow.
The Duchess of Sussex delivered 1.6 million viewers during her guest appearance, according to figures released by Channel 10. The episode recorded the show's biggest overnight Sunday audience since July 2023 and set a new record for MasterChef Australia's largest-ever overnight streaming audience, attracting 118,000 viewers.
Australia was awarded its first-ever Michelin stars earlier this month, with inspectors awarding 10 restaurants one star and one eatery two stars, all in South Australia. Royal fans will be watching Melbourne with keen interest in 2027, when Meghan touches down for filming.
