TalkTV presenter Kevin O'Sullivan has suggested Meghan Markle agreed to co-host Junior MasterChef Australia because it is the only job she has been offered, dismissing money or ratings as motivations.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, was announced last week as a co-host on the upcoming cooking show, with filming set to begin in Melbourne in early-to-mid 2027. Meghan, who appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia earlier this year, said it was "an easy yes" when invited to return.
O'Sullivan Questions the Decision
Speaking to News24 host Danica De Giorgio, Kevin said: "It's very strange that she's doing this. It's a small show with a chequered history." He noted Meghan would spend weeks in Melbourne away from her family for a couple of months, and that "they won't be able to pay her much either."
Kevin suggested Meghan would only earn around two to three thousand dollars per show, meaning money could not have been the incentive. He added: "There's word that Harry and the kids might come over and see her at one point, but there's no plans at the moment."
A Career Move or a Desperate Gamble?
Danica argued there is always an "agenda" with Meghan and Prince Harry, implying a reason behind her agreement. Kevin put forward his own theory: "No one else in the entire world is offering her any work. This is the only job she's been offered." He believes Meghan sees the role as a way to kickstart her TV career.
Earlier in the interview, Kevin dismissed the idea that Network 10 had hit the jackpot with Meghan, saying: "Here's the problem. It's clearly not a format that people particularly like that much. Junior versions of shows are usually excruciating and Junior MasterChef is no exception. They've tried it in Britain and it didn't work here either."
Ratings and Presenting Skills Under Fire
Kevin shut down claims Meghan would boost ratings, saying: "I don't think so. Tell that to the owners of Netflix," referencing With Love, Meghan as one of the streaming service's worst rated shows. He added: "She's not a very good presenter. She's got the anti-X factor. She's got the boring gene. She just can't be interesting."
He predicted a "novelty audience" initially, which would soon drift away, leaving only people like him and Danica watching because they have to. The final outcome, he concluded, is that Meghan's appearance is a bid to revive her television career with the only offer she has received.
