Meghan Markle’s new role on Junior MasterChef Australia has reportedly drawn mixed reactions from some locals. This is not her first appearance on the cooking franchise, as she previously guest-judged the adult competition during her April 2026 visit to Australia. The Duchess of Sussex is now set to return for the junior series in 2027, joining chef Poh Ling Yeow as a special guest.
Locals are reportedly not fans of Meghan Markle doing Junior MasterChef Australia
Meghan Markle’s return to Australian screens has sparked mixed reactions. A petition opposing her new TV role has attracted hundreds of signatures, with some questioning why producers did not choose local talent. According to the Daily Express, the petition appeared on the same day her role was announced. Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne over several weeks in early to mid-2027.
Saying she “can’t wait to start,” the Duchess of Sussex has expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming stint. Her last appearance in Australia was in April, when she took time from her tour schedule to guest judge on MasterChef Australia. To gather viewers’ opinions, the Daily Express was out on the streets of central Melbourne on Wednesday lunchtime speaking to fans. However, the outlet found the same question kept coming up: “Why her?”
An 81-year-old Australian citizen, Les Aldridge, said, “I’m not really a fan. I would sign the petition.” Echoing Aldridge’s views, fellow senior Selby Witteveen bluntly added, “I hate her. 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.”
However, not everyone felt the same, with 39-year-old Peter Heywood saying, “My thought is it’s a name that grabs people’s attention. There’s more than just a chef’s perspective on food.” British tourist Mark commented, “I think they [Meghan and Harry] should be left alone and she has done well for herself. Let them get on with their lives.” Meanwhile, offering a balanced and logical perspective, a commentator noted, “It probably should be a chef. But I am not a chef so how can I judge?”
