Meghan Markle is preparing to return to Australia for another television appearance, reuniting with celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow as Junior MasterChef Australia makes its comeback in 2027. The Duchess of Sussex, 45, will join Yeow as a special guest on the children's cooking competition, marking her second appearance in the MasterChef Australia franchise after serving as a guest judge earlier this year.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, confirms the programme's return to Network 10 following a six-year absence. Meghan's involvement will see her working alongside Yeow as a new generation of young contestants demonstrates their culinary skills.
Meghan Markle Says Junior MasterChef Invitation Was an 'Easy Yes'
Meghan has expressed excitement about returning to the Australian cooking competition, revealing that her positive experience filming the original series influenced her decision. The Duchess previously joined the MasterChef Australia team during her visit to Australia with Prince Harry in April 2026. Recalling the experience, Meghan said she had an incredible time working with the team and described the invitation to return as an 'easy yes'. She also connected her enthusiasm for the children's competition to her experiences cooking with her own family.
'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,' Meghan said. The Duchess shares two children with Prince Harry: Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. Her previous appearance on MasterChef Australia saw her join the judging panel as contestants competed to impress her with their culinary creations. The broadcaster said the episode attracted the programme's largest Sunday audience since 2023. Filming for Junior MasterChef Australia is expected to take place in Melbourne in 2027, with production reportedly lasting several weeks.
Poh Ling Yeow Excited to Reunite With Meghan
Yeow has welcomed Meghan's return, expressing enthusiasm about their upcoming reunion and the opportunity to work with young contestants. 'I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat,' the Australian chef said. Yeow also shared her excitement about the competition's return, noting that viewers had frequently asked whether the children's edition would make a comeback. The revived series will feature a new generation of aspiring chefs showcasing their creativity, cooking abilities and passion for food. Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, the programme will return to Network 10 in 2027, although an exact premiere date has yet to be announced.
Yeow will also continue her judging role on MasterChef Australia, joining Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli for the programme's 19th season. For Meghan, the appearance represents another step in her involvement in cooking and lifestyle entertainment. Her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, featured recipes, entertaining ideas and hospitality, while her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has introduced a range of food-related products. The Duchess also has previous experience working with young contestants, having appeared as a guest judge on Food Network's Chopped Junior in 2016.
With Junior MasterChef Australia returning for the first time since 2020, the upcoming series will offer young cooks another opportunity to demonstrate their talents, with Meghan and Yeow joining forces for the programme's comeback.
