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Meghan Markle is facing backlash after Network 10 announced she’s returning to Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027. However, some X users aren’t having it. “I personally find the most disturbing thing is she can’t even cook. Jock mentored these children and taught them skills. Adding flowers is not a skill,” one user wrote online. 

Another added, “We don’t want her here.” A third comment read, “Why have her in the first place, I’m sure there’s loads of genuine Australian cooks out there and they will have talent.” Network 10 announced the news on October 27. It’s been six years since the junior cooking series last aired. But not everyone’s happy about Markle joining. 

According to The Mirror, a petition called ‘Remove Meghan Markle From Junior MasterChef Australia’ has gained thousands of supporters. Critics think the show should’ve picked an Australian talent instead. Rosa, 76, also shared her thoughts with the outlet during an interview in Melbourne. 

“I think it’s a joke. Why do we need her? We have so many Australians that could do that job. I’m not a fan of hers. I think we should get an Australian to do it,” she said. Selby Witteveen, 77, also spoke out against Markle’s appointment. 

“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,” Witteveen said. Not everyone agrees with the criticism, though. Peter Heywood, 39, offered a different take when he spoke. 

“My thought is it’s a name that grabs people’s attention. There’s more than just a chef’s perspective on food,” he said. The Duchess of Sussex first appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia in April 2026, during her trip to Australia with Prince Harry. Her episode aired on July 26, with contestants making dishes for her. 

According to Express UK, the episode reached 1.6 million Total TV viewers. It also pulled in the show’s biggest overnight Sunday audience since July 2023. Plus, 118,000 viewers watched it through overnight streaming. Markle has done other food-related TV projects, too. 

Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan featured cooking, recipes, and entertainment. She also judged the U.S. cooking show Chopped Junior in 2016. Now, as she’s heading back to the MasterChef kitchen, she said she had a great time with the team earlier this year. 

She added, “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!” Markle will join chef Poh Ling Yeow as a special guest when the show returns in 2027. Yeow acknowledged Markle’s upcoming appearance in a statement. 

“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 – I’m expecting plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief, too,” she stated. The judging panel will also include Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. 

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