MasterChef Australia fans have been left scratching their heads after the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was announced as a guest judge to replace Andy Allen, who’s taken a break from filming for personal reasons.
Meghan is currently in Australia for a four-day tour with her husband, Prince Harry, and her addition to MasterChef was confirmed in a video on the show’s official Instagram account.
“All the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle,” Poh says in the clip.
The account also confirmed Meghan’s inclusion in a photo of her standing with fellow judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.
“We’re welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen,” the caption begins. “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes a special guest appearance this season as she returns to Australia for the first time since 2018. Joining a star-studded lineup of Guest Judges and culinary icons, Meghan helps guide some of the most impressive home cooks the competition has ever seen.”
Fans question why Meghan Markle is joining MasterChef
Meghan has dabbled in lifestyle television with her controversial Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. However, given that that is the extent of Meghan’s on-screen cooking experience, fans are questioning how she has the credentials to judge a cooking show.
“Remembering the Days when the great Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay, Curtis Stone and others graced this show…” one person commented on Instagram, with another asking: “Am I the only one who’s thinking whyyyyy!??!”
One person joked that they “hope she has to cook something live”.
Someone said they’d be “tuning out” following Meghan’s announcement, while another asked the show to “please advertise ahead of time what date, so those who wish can avoid watching.”
Ouch!
MasterChef Australia 2026 premieres on April 19 at 7pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
Love to chat about Reality TV? Join us in our new Facebook group and come chat! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more entertainment news.
