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Days after Meghan Markle was mocked for her With Love, Meghan’s Daytime Emmy Award loss, the Duchess is fielding a fresh round of criticism, this time over an upcoming TV appearance. Markle is set to appear on Junior MasterChef Australia as a special guest. That seemed to go over fine with fans until an unconfirmed rumor surfaced that Robert Irwin, a fan favorite around the globe, had been lined up as a backup in case Meghan’s deal fell through.

Robert Irwin’s fans are angry that Meghan Markle will appear on ‘Junior MasterChef Australia’

On Oct. 27, Network 10 announced that Meghan Markle will join chef and TV presenter Poh Ling Yeow as a special guest on an upcoming season of Junior MasterChef Australia. Although the series isn’t set to return until next year, the announcement is already stirring up drama.

Days later, Woman’s Day Australia reported that Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, had been considered as a backup for the role. “Word is that Robert Irwin was being held in the wings in case this deal with Meghan fell through,” an unnamed source told the outlet.

After the report, fans took to social media to complain about Meghan’s casting, arguing that Robert would have been a better, more likable choice. A fan petition urging Network 10 to reconsider reportedly launched within hours of the announcement. Robert, who charmed viewers on Dancing with the Stars and was rumored to be in the running for The Bachelor, has not commented on the reports.

The Thomas Markle Sr. controversy could cause further issues

Robert Irwin’s rumored consideration is behind most of the backlash, but it isn’t the only reason Meghan’s casting is drawing criticism. Some critics simply don’t like the divisive Duchess. Others worry that her family drama could distract from the show’s true stars, the junior chefs. The casting was announced days after Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., made headlines.

Authorities in the Philippines are investigating allegations that Thomas Markle Sr. possessed child sexual abuse images, which his son, Thomas Markle Jr., says he found at his father’s former home in Cebu. Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, and no charges have been reported. He has since returned to the United States.

Meghan has been estranged from her father since 2018. He did not attend her wedding to Prince Harry and has never met the couple’s two children. After news of the investigation broke, Meghan said in a statement that she was “deeply distressed.” She also said she had known of allegations against her father since 2018 and had kept him away from her children to protect them.

When will filming of ‘Junior MasterChef Australia’ start?

Despite the backlash, Meghan’s appearance is still on. Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne in early to mid-2027, and everyone attached to the series appears excited to have the Duchess on board. Poh Ling Yeow expressed her enthusiasm at Network 10’s upfronts, calling the news “incredible” and describing Meghan as a “consummate professional” she had enjoyed working with before.

According to People, Meghan is expected to spend several weeks in Australia for filming. The Sussexes, however, don’t plan to put down roots there. It’s unclear whether Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet, will join her. The show premieres in 2027.

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