MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has broken her silence on the news that Meghan Markle will return as a full-time host for the junior edition of the cookery show, airing in 2027. Standing outside the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Poh said she is “still processing” the announcement but is “very, very excited to be working with Meghan”.
Poh's Reaction to Working with Meghan Again
Poh last worked with Meghan when the Duchess of Sussex appeared as a guest judge on the regular series earlier in 2026. Reacting to the news of Meghan's full-time role on the kids' series, Poh said: “So, elephant in the room, I’m doing MasterChef with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan. You know what? I’m still processing.”
She added: “I’m trying to process this, but I’m very, very excited to be working with kids and to be working with Meghan.”
Official Statement and Past Controversy
In an official statement, Poh said: “I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can’t wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers.”
Poh had previously addressed reports that Meghan was unhappy with her royal title being used on the show, after contestants were allegedly tasked with making a meal “fit for a duchess”. Reports at the time claimed Poh was “upset” by the introduction and desperate to apologise.
However, appearing on Nova later, Poh dismissed the rumours, saying: “We had such a lovely time with her. She was a model citizen. Like, honestly, no fuss, hung out with us, didn’t scurry away into her green room… just completely engaged with the whole process and like, knows her food. Nothing to complain about, at all!”
Meghan's Excitement for Junior MasterChef
Meghan also shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying: “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. 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!”
