Meghan Markle's appointment as a judge on Junior MasterChef Australia has drawn a mixed reaction, with some Australians questioning her credentials and others admitting they have no idea who she is.
The Duchess of Sussex said she "can't wait to start" as co-host of the show, following her appearance as a guest judge on the main series last April. Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne in early-to-mid 2027.
Petition against her role
Hundreds have signed a petition urging producers to select homegrown talent instead. Speaking to Express on the streets of Melbourne, several people voiced their opposition.
"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," said Rosa, 76.
"I'm not really a fan. I would sign the petition," added Les Aldridge, 81. Selby Witteveen, 77, who lived in London and Hythe, Kent, until 2020, said: "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."
Mixed reactions from younger fans
Despite the criticism, two younger Australians did not recognise her. One thought former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was making a career change, while another knew of Meghan but was unaware of her MasterChef involvement.
Bayley, 27, from St Kilda, said "it probably should be a chef," adding: "But I am not a chef, so how can I judge?" An American tourist who gave her name as 'Meg' said: "I guess it's name recognition. If you are looking to legitimise a cooking show you can find a few chefs from around the world to do that."
Others saw value in her involvement. 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."
Meghan's guest appearance on MasterChef drew 1.6 million viewers, the show's biggest overnight Sunday audience since July 2023, according to Channel 10 figures. She and Harry were mobbed by Victorians during their tour earlier this year.
