The Duchess of Sussex has confirmed she will be a judge on next year's series of Junior MasterChef Australia, with filming set to take place in Melbourne over a few weeks.
Meghan Markle announced the role this week, saying she is excited for the new TV job. It is not yet known whether Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will accompany her to Australia or remain in Britain.
Previous Experience with MasterChef Australia
This will not be Meghan's first time working with the MasterChef Australia team. She appeared as a guest judge on the main show earlier this year, which delighted contestants.
It is believed she was chosen as a guest judge after the executive producer felt sorry for her and emailed her agent. Reports from The Age say executive producer Marty Benson planned her TV appearance after watching her now-cancelled Netflix series, With Love, Meghan.
Producer's Motivation and New Role
Benson reportedly felt sorry for her because of the criticism she received and messaged her agent. He also thought she would be a "great guest" on the show. Benson reportedly said: "I felt for her because everyone was so hard on her show."
When asked whether he had sent another email to Meghan's team to secure the new deal on Junior MasterChef Australia, he gave no direct response. Rumours suggest this could be the real reason she has now secured the role on the children's series.
Meghan's Statement and Co-Host
Regardless of the reason, Meghan is believed to be excited for the experience, especially as she enjoyed working with the Australian team this year. She said in a statement this week: "I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes."
She added: "I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what they cook up."
Her return to Australian TV was announced by Paramount Australia on Tuesday, October 27, which said the programme will air next year on Network Ten. She will host alongside Australian chef and TV presenter Poh Ling Yeow.
Paramount Australia said in a statement: "With Poh's culinary expertise and Meghan's enthusiasm for cooking and nurturing young talent, Junior MasterChef Australia promises to serve up plenty of inspiration as the next generation of Australian cooks steps into the kitchen."
Filming dates are yet to be confirmed. The news comes months after Meghan and Harry, alongside their children, relocated to the UK. Meghan Markle's team has been contacted for comment.
