Meghan Markle's 'brilliant' MasterChef Australia deal 'points to permanent TV return'

Ben McCaffrey
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:26:16 +0000

The Duchess of Sussex's return to television through MasterChef Australia has been branded "brilliant" and could be a sign she is "testing the waters" for a full-scale return.

Meghan Markle, 44, filmed a guest judging role on the iconic cooking show earlier this week during her five-day tour in Australia along with her husband, Prince Harry.

It is a role that has previously been occupied by royals, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla back in 2018.

Broadcaster Channel 10 revealed the news on Wednesday, describing Meghan as a "SUPER special" guest.

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The Daily Mail reports Meghan was paid nothing for her role in the show, which required a full day of filming, but former TV executive Rob McKnight hailed the move.

"I think it is a brilliant PR move by Network 10, which is probably worth the least amount of money of the major networks," he told the outlet.

"It has shown Ten is the little engine that could."

And yet, despite not even promoting her As Ever food and lifestyle range, there could be huge future benefits for the duchess.

PR expert Kayley Cornelius noted her latest TV appearance could be a test run for a return to the small screen.

"Meghan's latest move on MasterChef feels far from random or one-off appearances," she told The Mirror. "There's a clear strategy at play here, and it very much points to a more permanent return to the world of mainstream celebrity being front of mind.

"Australia is a particularly savvy choice too, as it's a market that's historically been receptive to her, but it also allows her to trial this next phase slightly outside of the intense scrutiny she faces in the US and UK."

The expert added Meghan is looking to "nail down" personal branding in Australia in an effort to help grow her As Ever brand.

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She added: "That said, this appearance could also signal something much bigger on the horizon.

"There's a strong sense that she may be looking to return to the world of mainstream celebrity culture as well as TV, and this latest move on MasterChef feels very much like her 'testing the waters' to gauge audience appetite for a full-scale comeback.

"By featuring on one of Australia's biggest TV shows, it will truly be a make-or-break moment for her Aussie career and determine whether she has something scalable across the pond.

"If this return is successful and builds that connection with viewers, it puts her in a much stronger position with casting producers.

"From there, a return to bigger on-screen roles isn't out of the question, and with the right momentum, it could mark the start of a new chapter that reshapes both her public image and her career trajectory."

The duchess previously demonstrated her passion for cooking through her Netflix lifestyle programme With Love, Meghan, which has broadcast two seasons along with a holiday special.

However, she severed ties with Netflix to take complete control of her As Ever brand, although the streaming giant is said to be on "good" terms with Meghan.

So good, in fact, Meghan was pictured holding hands with Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos's wife, Nicole Avant, at a Montecito gathering last week.