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Meghan Markle is facing fresh criticism after announcing her new TV role. The Duchess of Sussex will join Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027. But PR expert Brian Glicklich thinks Markle needs to rethink her public appearances. 

“Megan Markle has not suffered from a lack of ideas to improve her reputation and popularity… she suffers in poor execution. Her appearances are inauthentic, promotional, and too often appear to have an alternative agenda,” Glicklich told the Express UK. 

According to Glicklich, Markle can still repair her public image. But she needs to understand “what went wrong” and take responsibility for it. He also said she needs to focus on “authenticity, not manipulation.” He added that Markle should start by “doing good work first when there are no cameras around.” 

Glicklich also brought up her likeability problem. He said she “needs to start by learning to like herself.” He added that Markle should let people see what she is truly passionate about. She should do it even when there’s nothing to gain “except self-respect.” His comments came after Network 10 announced Markle’s new TV role on October 27, 2026.

She will join Australian chef Poh Ling Yeow on Junior MasterChef Australia. The new season will return in 2027 with a fresh group of young contestants. According to Paramount Australia & New Zealand’s official announcement, Markle will appear as a special guest. 

This isn’t Markle’s first time on the show, either. She previously appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia. She filmed her appearance during her April 2026 trip to Australia with Harry. The episode aired in July. According to Paramount Australia & New Zealand, her appearance attracted the show’s biggest Sunday audience since 2023.

Markle also shared her excitement about returning to the kitchen. In a statement released through Paramount, she said the invitation was an easy decision. 

“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!” she said. 

The junior competition is returning after a six-year break. Yeow is also happy to have Markle back. According to the show’s official announcement, Poh said she was “thrilled to bits” about Junior MasterChef Australia returning. 

“I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year,” she said. Poh added that “being reunited will be a real treat.” She also said she was expecting “plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief.” Lynn Carratt of E20 Communications also spoke to The Express US about Markle’s new role.

She felt it could help Markle “reach people” and “build her professional identity.” However, Carratt thinks the appearance needs to feel natural. She also said the focus should be on Markle’s actual contribution, not just the publicity around her visit.

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