Hundreds of Australians sign a petition against Meghan Markle's Junior MasterChef role as locals ask why homegrown talent was overlooked

Meghan Markle's confirmation as a special guest on Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027 has drawn a street-level backlash in Melbourne, with a petition gaining hundreds of signatures within days of Tuesday's announcement. Critics questioned why a non-Australian was chosen ahead of homegrown talent, with locals calling her presence "a joke" and accusing her of "trading on royalty." MasterChef Australia executive producer Marty Benson revealed he secured her appearance via a cold email he described as "press send and pray."

Meghan will co-host alongside chef Poh Ling Yeow, with filming expected in Melbourne in early-to-mid 2027; Harry and their children Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, may join her.

Her April 2026 guest-judge appearance on the adult MasterChef series drew the show's largest Sunday audience since 2023, vindicating Benson's gamble.

Separately, Meghan is reported to be eyeing a prestige TV drama role after being passed over for 'The Gentlemen', with a £3.7m 'Suits' reunion offer also reportedly on the table.