Meghan Markle Confirmed as Guest Judge on MasterChef Australia
Meghan Markle will appear as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia on July 26, a move that has divided opinion among fans. Paramount ANZ, which owns the channel, described the Duchess of Sussex as an "entrepreneur, humanitarian and passionate home cook" who will challenge cooks to create a dish "fit for a Duchess" featuring one seasonal ingredient.
Guests and Reactions
During the series, a selection of guests have appeared, including celebrated chefs like Rick Stein, Curtis Stone and Maggie Beer. Paramount said Meghan was chosen due to her passion for food, as seen on her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Meghan said: "What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes. It’s such a great show. I’m just really honoured that I was asked to be able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals."
However, some fans questioned her role, with one pointing out she is "not a chef". In the comments section of Network 10’s Instagram post, some vowed to boycott her episode. One fan wrote: "Definitely won’t be watching." A second added: "I love watching MasterChef, but won’t be watching it with her."
Others were excited. One wrote: "I know she will do a great job," while another added: "Can’t wait to watch it!!!"
The Challenge Details
During the challenge, cooks will choose from one of the following seasonal ingredients: carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussels sprouts, celeriac, Australian honey, macadamia nuts, quince, lemons, apples, mandarins and strawberries. They must celebrate the ingredient while sharing something personal through the dish.
"These are all things that, for me, feel really nostalgic," Meghan said. "I’d love it if there’s a connection that you can find when, as you’re cooking something, what is the story behind it? What is something from your family or from a memory…something sentimental that we can also taste as we taste your dish."
